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, VEHICLE REFURBISHMENT
The Materials Engineering department is looking to add an engineer at the Cape Canaveral, FL launch site to focus on vehicle refurbishment efforts that are helping to drive the launch rate at SpaceX. This position is a Materials Engineer for the Materials Engineering Department based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This role is highly multidisciplinary and this individual will assess and provide materials engineering solutions to SpaceX vehicles for reusability efforts. The ideal candidate is an individual familiar with polymeric processes included RTV silicones, structural epoxy adhesives, organic and inorganic paint systems, as well as experience with corrosion assessment and prevention on metallic and composite structures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles onsite
- Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform associated required tasks, and complete required documentation per SpaceX specifications and other external specification such us NASA, OSHA, ASTM, NACE, ASME, etc.
- Investigate and analyze integrated vehicle parts, and flown 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
- Support polymer material property development for adhesives/ sealants/ plastics used at SpaceX. Work with design and reliability engineers to establish repair reports with information about material findings, specific locations, repair process and acceptance criteria
- This position will apply corrosion knowledge and skills to assess, repair, install, troubleshoot, analyze, and perform other predictive and preventative maintenance tasks on assigned vehicle components
- Investigate and analyze corrosive conditions for existing vehicle fleet
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, polymer engineering, or other technical discipline
- 1+ years of experience with either polymer engineering/polymer physics or vehicle integration
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, or polymer engineering
- 5+ years of professional work experience (aerospace or spaceflight sectors are preferable)
- Experience working with silicone elastomers, polyurethane, silicone paints, structural adhesives, and composites
- Experience with FTIR spectrometer, DSC, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, and other laboratory instruments
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology
- Exhibit a diverse knowledge of aerospace quality polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing
- 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-intensity production environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
- Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shifts are often necessary – flexibility is required
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.