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.

MATERIALS ENGINEER (MANUFACTURING)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement processes, equipment, and technology for the manufacturing of satellites while attaining organizational cost and performance goals  
• Perform prototype process trials, materials analysis, and materials properties characterization
• Conduct hands-on laboratory testing and failure analysis of vehicle hardware and raw stock materials
• Prepare materials specifications, develop and/or select appropriate processes, evaluate suppliers and analyze materials test reports for spacecraft applications
• Interface with a variety of engineering groups to identify proper material selection for engineering structures, components, and subassemblies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in material science and engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or another related engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment
• Expert level first principle engineering knowledge of metals, composites, and other materials used in spacecraft structural and propulsion applications
• Experience with material selection and their properties in a space environments
• Knowledge of physical and mechanical properties as well as evaluation methods (tensile strength, hardness, fatigue, fracture toughness, creep, stress rupture, SEM, non-destructive inspection, spectroscopy)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in material science or another engineering discipline
• Extensive knowledge of environmental and operational requirements for materials in space applications (outgassing, flammability, dissimilar metals, stress corrosion, etc.).
• Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following production processes: forging, casting, forming, coating, plating, heat treating, fusion welding, friction stir welding, EB welding, and additive manufacturing
• Experience with technical review of materials processing 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
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills. Must be capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all level of our organization

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR HERE.

 

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.