Materials R&D Technician – Starship Test Lab

Future Ventures; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician (Starship) to join the Starbase team in Texas. You will develop new materials, test processes, and create material allowables to advance our mission of multi-planetary exploration.

You’ll contribute to a high-volume rocket production line and a lab that enables rapid iteration and data-driven decisions. The role involves testing at various temperatures, using SEM/FTIR and other characterization tools, and collaborating with engineers to push

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of materials testing, machining, layup/bonding, or lab experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality results by performing standardized mechanical tests (tensile, compression, fatigue, fracture toughness) at cryogenic to elevated temperatures.
• Use mechanical testing software, data collection, and reporting.
• Collaborate with engineering to support non-standard testing for hardware design and production.
• Fabricate test articles (machining, welding, bonding, fixturing).
• Characterize materials and welds via specimen prep and testing using microscopes, SEM/EDS, FTIR, etc.
• Operate machining equipment (CNC preferred).
• Schedule and perform calibration of test equipment and tools.
• Analyze data and report results to engineering teams.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Run and maintain cure ovens and temperature loggers.

Skills

Materials testing

Machining

Composite layup

Lab work

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SEM

FTIR

Metallography

CNC machining

Welding

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician (Starship) to join the Starbase team in Texas. You will develop new materials, test processes, and create material allowables to advance our mission of multi-planetary exploration.

You’ll contribute to a high-volume rocket production line and a lab that enables rapid iteration and data-driven decisions. The role involves testing at various temperatures, using SEM/FTIR and other characterization tools, and collaborating with engineers to push