Senior Materials Engineer, Orbital AI Compute

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer for the Starmind initiative to own the lifecycle of advanced materials for satellite compute hardware.

You will help design high‑reliability microelectronics packages, thermal systems, and the materials supply chain to support orbital AI workloads. The role requires deep expertise in materials science, microelectronics, and manufacturing with a track record in hardware environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering (or related) required.
• 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.
• Advanced degree in materials science preferred.
• Experience with hardware, robotics, automation in manufacturing.
• Exposure to tooling design for assembly or test applications.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly develop high-reliability microelectronics packages, cooling systems, and radiator hardware for satellites.
• Own the full lifecycle of materials specification, validation, and process development; model devices and analyze materials performance.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, materials selection, prototyping, manufacturing, failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for build-up layers, plating chemicals, coatings, and TIM materials; define acceptance criteria.
• Address materials/process challenges in advanced packaging and develop TIM materials to improve packaging.
• Specify in-process metrology tools and design thermal test vehicles to evaluate material/electronic properties.
• Work with mechanical, thermal, electrical, software, test engineering, supply chain, and silicon design teams to deliver integrated hardware.
• Challenge assumptions, learn from mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes for safety/environmental standards.
• Collaborate with leadership to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and operations.

Skills

Microelectronics

Materials science

Thermal management

Automation

Scripting/data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering

Advanced degree in materials science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer for the Starmind initiative to own the lifecycle of advanced materials for satellite compute hardware.

You will help design high‑reliability microelectronics packages, thermal systems, and the materials supply chain to support orbital AI workloads. The role requires deep expertise in materials science, microelectronics, and manufacturing with a track record in hardware environments.