Principal Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Principal Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink) in Texas to develop, test, and qualify polymeric materials for Starlink products. You will lead cross-functional efforts from material selection through production, addressing processing challenges and injection-molded part scale-up.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MS in materials science/engineering with 10+ years of experience in polymers, elastomers, or adhesives, and a strong track record in polymer characterization and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science or an engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers, and/or adhesives.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test and evaluate polymeric materials used across Starlink products.
• Support polymer selection and implementation by collaborating with design engineers to establish inputs for cost-effective production.
• Collaborate with other engineers 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 for failure mechanisms.

Skills

Polymer characterization

Material testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Scale-up to production

Failure analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering

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

Tools

SEM-EDS

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheometer

Optical microscopy

Hardness testing

Mechanical testing

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

PRINCIPAL 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
• 10+ 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
• Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing
• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers, and reinforcements, and their impact on polymer processing
• Strong background in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing
• Expert understanding of failure modes in polymeric materials
• Experience with developing new processes, improving efficiencies and successfully transferring to production
• Development of new testing techniques and custom test jigs
• Demonstrated track record of 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 Aff…? or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].