Metals Materials Engineer — Starlink Satellite Hardware

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Comprehensive medical coverage

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink) to advance material systems for satellites and ground structures. You will evaluate alloys, joining methods, and processing, supporting design teams with data and specifications.

You will lead characterization and failure analysis efforts, collaborate with suppliers, and help scale metal production while traveling to sites as needed. Strong background in welding, metallurgy, and materials testing is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Welding Engineering or related field.
• Experience with aluminum alloys and metal-joining processes; welding, brazing, soldering, sintering.
• Advanced degrees preferred for higher responsibility and leadership in design reviews.

Responsibilities

• Provide materials selection, characterization, qualification, and manufacturing support for metallic hardware on Starlink satellites and ground assemblies.
• Develop mechanical properties of metallic alloys and joints; supply data, allowable, and process recommendations.
• Perform root cause investigations and failure analyses using fractography, SEM-EDS, and microscopy.
• Develop, qualify, troubleshoot, and optimize metal joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering).
• Advise on material alloy selection, specifications, fracture requirements, and design-for-manufacturability.
• Collaborate with suppliers on qualification and development for forgings, castings, and metallic components.

Skills

Materials Science

Welding Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Materials characterization

Failure analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Materials Science/Engineering

Master's in Materials Science/Engineering

PhD in Materials Engineering

Tools

SEM-EDS

Optical microscopy

Hardness testing

Spectroscopy techniques

Job description

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink) to advance material systems for satellites and ground structures. You will evaluate alloys, joining methods, and processing, supporting design teams with data and specifications.

You will lead characterization and failure analysis efforts, collaborate with suppliers, and help scale metal production while traveling to sites as needed. Strong background in welding, metallurgy, and materials testing is required.