Senior Packaging Engineer: Thermal Materials for Space AI

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Packaging Engineer – Thermal Materials for the Starmind project in Bastrop, TX.

You will own the full lifecycle of advanced packaging, drive materials selection, prototyping, and integration with cross‑discipline teams to enable on‑orbit AI compute. The ideal candidate has a BS in materials science or mechanical engineering and 5+ years in microelectronics, with hands‑on experience in thermal solutions, TIMs, tooling design, and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of advanced packaging through board assembly process development— including requirements capture, materials selection, prototyping, process optimization, manufacturing, and failure analysis.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, materials selection, prototyping, manufacturing, failure analysis.
• Spearhead the development integrated thermal solutions including next generation TIMs to improve package performance.
• Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, qualification, and ramp.
• Build supply chains for die, packages, components, consumable chemicals, and equipment for satellite compute manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for components and materials.
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, materials, 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
• Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments—including design, reliability, production, and supply chain to deliver best in class electronics.
• Manage compliance risks, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Thermal materials

Microelectronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science or mechanical engineering

Tools

MATLAB

JMP

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Packaging Engineer – Thermal Materials for the Starmind project in Bastrop, TX.

You will own the full lifecycle of advanced packaging, drive materials selection, prototyping, and integration with cross‑discipline teams to enable on‑orbit AI compute. The ideal candidate has a BS in materials science or mechanical engineering and 5+ years in microelectronics, with hands‑on experience in thermal solutions, TIMs, tooling design, and manufacturing processes.