Materials Engineer (Polymers)

S

spacex

Materials Engineer (Polymers)

Hawthorne, CA
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    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 (POLYMERS)

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Support the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric/ elastomeric materials used across all SpaceX products (including, but not limited to, structural and non-structural plastics and adhesives, elastomeric seals and gap-filling sealants)
    • Manage the inputs into the polymer material property database for all adhesives/sealants/plastics used at SpaceX. Work with design engineers to establish required design inputs and develop allowables for any gaps identified in the data set
    • Aid the development of new tests and evaluation methods for assessing the use of various polymers/elastomers and joining methods
    • Work with design engineers to assess current designs for their polymer/ elastomer selections to ensure the most optimal solutions have been implemented
    • Coordinate with production to understand manufacturing concerns related to polymer/elastomers and joining methods
    • Propose material and/or processing improvements that are agreeably “value-added” across the affected teams
    • Work with supplier development engineering and external suppliers to develop appropriate tests that effectively evaluate material performance at the coupon level

    BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Bachelor's degree in polymer science or materials engineering
    • Professional experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of plastics, elastomers and adhesives

    PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

    • Master's degree or Ph.D. in polymer science or materials engineering
    • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience (aerospace or spaceflight sectors are preferable)
    • Posseses a diverse knowledge of aerospace quality polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing
    • Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers, and reinforcements
    • Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, cross-section sample preparation and mechanical property testing
    • Broad understanding of failure modes in polymer materials
    • Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and highly competitive environment
    • Experience with technical review of materials processing and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
    • Hands-on experience in a high-production manufacturing 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
    • Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all level of our organization
    • Strong academic foundation coupled with hands-on experience

     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.