Metals Materials Engineer for Starlink Hardware

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, vision and dental coverage

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Company shuttle

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink) in Washington to drive materials selection, joining processes, and failure analysis for satellites and ground infrastructure. You will develop properties, qualify processes, and collaborate with suppliers to support high-volume production.

The role requires a B.S. in Materials Science/Engineering (M.S./PhD preferred) and hands-on experience with aluminum alloys and metal-joining methods, plus strong analytical and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Welding Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or another materials-focused engineering degree.
• Experience with aluminum alloys used for structural and non-structural applications; metal alloys used in electronic applications; and metal-joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering).

Responsibilities

• Provide materials selection, characterization, qualification, and manufacturing process support for metallic and metal‑joined hardware on Starlink satellites and ground infrastructure assemblies.
• Develop mechanical and physical properties of metallic alloys and joints for the design community, including data, allowable, and process recommendations.
• Perform root cause investigations and failure analysis using fractography, metallography, SEM‑EDS, optical microscopy, and other characterization testing.
• Develop, qualify, troubleshoot, and optimize metal joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering) used in production, including understanding of process variables and resulting material performance.
• Provide technical review and advising for design efforts as it relates to material alloy selection, material & process specifications, fracture requirements, and design‑for‑manufacturability.
• Collaborate with suppliers on qualification, property development, and issue resolution for custom‑manufactured forgings, castings, and other metallic components.

Skills

Aluminum alloys for structural and non

Metal alloys for electronics

Metal-joining processes (welding, braz

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Materials Engineering

Master's or PhD in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

SEM-EDS

Optical microscopy

Hardness testing

Mechanical property testing

Spectroscopy techniques

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink) in Washington to drive materials selection, joining processes, and failure analysis for satellites and ground infrastructure. You will develop properties, qualify processes, and collaborate with suppliers to support high-volume production.

The role requires a B.S. in Materials Science/Engineering (M.S./PhD preferred) and hands-on experience with aluminum alloys and metal-joining methods, plus strong analytical and collaboration skills.