Senior Materials Engineer, Orbital AI Compute

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer for the Starmind AI satellites program. You will own the materials life cycle for high‑performance compute hardware, from packaging to thermal management, collaborating with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software engineers.

The role requires a Bachelor's in materials science or engineering and 5+ years in microelectronics materials, with readiness to travel and work extended hours for mission-critical deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

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— including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, materials selection, prototyping, manufacturing, failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for build-up layers, plating chemicals, coatings, thermal interface materials, and other materials for compute and satellite manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials.
• Address materials and process challenges in advanced packaging while spearheading the development of next‑generation TIM materials to improve packaging performance.
• Specify and implement in‑process metrology tools for quality control. Design thermal test vehicles and test setups to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design, etc.) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware.
• Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from your mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments—including design, reliability, production, and supply chain—to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

Job description

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer for the Starmind AI satellites program. You will own the materials life cycle for high‑performance compute hardware, from packaging to thermal management, collaborating with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software engineers.

The role requires a Bachelor's in materials science or engineering and 5+ years in microelectronics materials, with readiness to travel and work extended hours for mission-critical deadlines.