Materials R&D Lab Technician (Starlink)

SpaceX; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a motivated Materials R&D Lab Technician to join their dynamic team in Redmond. This role involves hands-on laboratory work, performing materials characterization testing to support the ambitious Starlink project. You'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge equipment and contribute to groundbreaking technology aimed at providing reliable internet worldwide. Ideal candidates will possess a strong attention to detail, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for materials science. Join a forward-thinking team where your contributions will help shape the future of connectivity.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of safe work practices around furnaces and solvents.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal, mechanical, and physical characterization testing of materials.
• Organize and document data thoroughly for engineering review.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized lab operations.

Skills

Materials Testing

Laboratory Equipment Operation

Data Documentation

Problem Solving

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

FTIR

DSC

Optical Microscope

SEM

Hand and Power Tools

Job description

Join to apply for the Materials R&D Lab Technician (Starlink) role at SpaceX

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today, SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS R&D LAB TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation, aims to provide reliable internet worldwide. We are seeking a highly motivated technician to join the Redmond materials engineering team in a laboratory-based role performing multidisciplinary materials characterization testing. This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments, failure investigations, process control validation, and more. A basic understanding of material science fundamentals is preferred, but not required. Hands-on lab experience is essential. The ideal candidate is skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role requires being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative with a can-do attitude.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal, mechanical, and physical characterization testing of metallic and non-metallic materials in a lab setting, ensuring tests are completed with accuracy, precision, and efficiency.
• Develop operational proficiency with all analytical instruments in the lab.
• Prepare samples of material specimens for testing, involving machining, oven curing, epoxy mounting, chemical etching, mechanical polishing, etc.
• Support maintenance and calibration of lab instrumentation.
• Organize and document data thoroughly; interpret results and flag off-nominal data for engineering review.
• Manage lab backlog, prioritizing requests according to program needs.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized operations, enforcing safety protocols and managing inventory.
• Lead larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while managing daily test requests.
• Promote 5S principles to sustain a tidy workspace.
• Work creatively and innovatively to support team goals, challenging the status quo and developing unique solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of safe work practices around furnaces, solvents, acids/bases, etc.
• Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals.
• Experience operating thermal and chemical characterization equipment (e.g., FTIR, DSC, rheometer).
• Experience with microscopy equipment (optical microscope, SEM).
• Positive attitude and experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to set up and run tests and experiments with attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office, Atlassian JIRA, work order systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret test specifications.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and willingness to learn.
• Experience using hand and power tools.

Additional Requirements

• Availability to work off-shifts, overtime, and weekends if needed.
• Ability to wear PPE in lab and machine shop environments.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. unassisted and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, grasping, etc.