Sr. Materials Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Texas seeks a Sr. Materials Engineer to address complex materials challenges in a dynamic environment. Responsibilities include developing casting processes and conducting failure analysis. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of experience in metal casting technologies. Strong communication and technical skills are required. This role offers the opportunity to impact the next era of spaceflight as part of an innovative team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in metal casting technologies.
• Strong background in metallographic characterization techniques.
• Willingness to travel (up to 15%) and ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and troubleshoot metal casting processes.
• Conduct failure analysis of cast components.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for product performance.

Skills

Metal casting technologies

Metallographic characterization techniques

Interpersonal skills

Technical review of material processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in material science or related

Master's degree or Ph.D. in relevant field

Tools

SEM-EDS

Optical microscopy

Hardness testers

Job description

Sr. Materials Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

Bastrop, TX

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.

SpaceX continues to revolutionize the launch industry by combining advanced technological developments with pragmatic and lean manufacturing. This is especially important for the future of rapid and high-volume Starship flight, where power generation is crucial. As a member of the Materials Engineering team, you will own solving complex materials challenges in a rapidly innovating environment. You will interact closely with foundry engineering and operations teams, and have direct impact on producing Ni-superalloy castings for power generation, ultimately ushering in the next era of revolutionary spaceflight.

Responsibilities

• Accelerate progress on development and production of SX (single crystal), DS (directionally solidified), and EQ (equiax) casted components for gas turbines
• Develop, qualify and troubleshoot metal casting processes used in production
• Execute failure analysis of casted components as a result of process fallout and/or in-service failures, working in tandem with design and process engineers to drive yield higher
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and characterization techniques
• Provide technical review and advising for design efforts as it relates to material alloy and form selection, tooling, and material and process specifications
• Drive property development and qualification test plan design and execution and of castings and foundry processes
• Responsible for coordinating with various engineering teams, supply chain, vendors, operations, technicians, and senior leadership on a consistent basis to stay aligned on product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost requirements
• Drive improvements to design via feedback on manufacturability, performance, efficiency, and product life to optimize business needs

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience working in metal casting technologies

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or equivalent engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience with SX or DSCasting technologies using Ni-based superalloys
• Experience working on casting blades and vanes for industrial gas turbines or aerospace engines
• 3+ years of experience with metallographic characterization techniques and equipment, such as SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, hardness testers, mechanical property testing, and/or spectroscopy techniques for composition or phase
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology
• Experience with technical review of material processes and a first principles understanding of how process variables impact material performance
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Hands‑on experience in a high‑production manufacturing environment
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors (up to 15%)
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted
• Standing/walking for long periods of time
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 to [e-mail].