Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

United States Digital Space LLC; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to tackle complex material challenges for their Starshield satellites in Hawthorne, California. The role involves hands-on responsibilities with flight hardware and requires collaboration with engineering and production teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Material Science or related field, along with a strong understanding of various materials processes. Experience in a fast-paced environment and strong communication skills are also essential. This position may require obtaining a Top Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Materials Engineering or related discipline.
• 1+ years experience with polymers and coatings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate materials for satellite designs.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory testing and failure analysis.
• Drive materials-related projects from concept to production.

Skills

Polymers

Coatings

Joining technologies (bonding, welding, etc.)

Characterization techniques

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Material Science or related field

Tools

SEM-EDS

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Optical microscopy

Mechanical property testing

Job description

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, STARSHIELD

Starshield leverages the company’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a Senior Materials Engineer, you will own solving complex materials challenges of our current and next generation satellite designs in a rapidly innovating environment. You will regularly interface with engineering and production teams, as well as have hands‑on responsibilities with flight hardware.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champion materials‑related initiatives for Starshield satellites from conceptualization through development, qualification, implementation, and production stabilization; work closely with partner teams on rolling out optimized solutions
• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of metals, polymers, coatings, and joining/forming techniques used across the current and next generation Starshield satellite designs
• Develop, qualify and implement coatings for thermal control or optical applications
• Conduct and direct hands‑on laboratory testing and rigorous failure analysis of flight hardware and raw stock materials
• Lead root cause failure investigations, acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for metallic and polymer failure mechanisms through hands‑on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw materials, always driving to first principles
• Perform prototype process trials, materials analysis, and property characterization
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in‑house production line
• Work with external vendors to establish process control of existing designs and identify new opportunities for product development and improvement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related engineering discipline
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting‑edge technology

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or other related technical discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience with polymers, coatings, joining technologies (bonding, welding, brazing, soldering)
• Experience in characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM‑EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheology, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing
• Experience with technical review of material processes and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast‑paced and highly competitive environment
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data‑driven decisions
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Affi­ncial Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].