Polymers Materials Engineer for Satellite Tech

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink) to develop, test and evaluate polymeric materials for Starlink products and to drive robust polymer selection with design teams. You will help scale parts from prototype to production, investigate failure mechanisms, and collaborate across disciplines to solve processing challenges in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires at least a bachelor’s in materials science or engineering and hands-on experience with polymers, elastomers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science or an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers, and/or adhesives.
• Preferred: advanced degree and extensive experience in polymers for electronics or consumer products.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test and evaluate polymeric materials used across Starlink products.
• Support polymer selection and implementation with design engineers to establish inputs for cost-effective, reliable mass production.
• Collaborate with engineers, SMEs and technicians to solve material and processing challenges on current and next generation products.
• Lead scale-up from prototype to production of relevant injection molded parts.
• Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert.

Skills

Experience: 5+ years

Polymer characterization

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering

Master's or PhD in materials science/engineering/polymer engineering

Tools

Polymer characterization equipment (SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy)

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out 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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS ENGINEER, POLYMERS (STARLINK)

Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide. We are committed to offering access to high-speed internet to customers, and are looking for a Polymers Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve material selection and processing challenges as we ramp service.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used across various Starlink products


• Support polymer selection and implementation by collaborating with design engineers to establish required design inputs for ensuring a cost-effective and reliable mass consumer electronic


• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation products


• Lead successful scale-up from prototype to production of relevant injection molded parts


• Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for failure mechanisms

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in materials science or an engineering discipline


• 1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers, and/or adhesives

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, or polymer engineering


• 5+ years of professional work experience (consumer products or electronics sectors are preferable)


• Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing


• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers, and reinforcements, and their impact on polymer processing


• Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA,rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing


• Broad understanding of failure modes in polymeric materials


• Experience with developing new processes, improvingefficienciesand successfully transferring to production


• Development of new testing techniques and custom test jigs


• Demonstratedtrack recordof success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed


• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time


• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise


• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].