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
As a Polymers Engineer within the Materials Engineering department you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve difficult material and process challenges at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work on reusable launch vehicles that deliver satellites into earth’s orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity’s reach beyond the earth and moon.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for materials and process support of polymeric/ elastomeric materials used on our reusable launch vehicles, which includes structural and non-structural plastics, adhesives, elastomeric seals, gap-filling sealants, and thermal protection systems
- Own implementation of custom material solutions that align with company priorities of high reliability and extreme launch cadence
- Develop physical, mechanical and thermal properties for polymers
- Support root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for adhesive/ rubber/ plastic failure mechanisms
- Provide technical reviews and advising for design effort through drawing reviews, specification ownership, and defining of material requirements
- Share polymers knowledge and guidance to broader engineering and non-engineering communities via periodic “lunch ‘n learn” sessions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, or other engineering discipline
- Experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of plastics, elastomers and adhesives (internship or project experience is applicable)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree or Ph.D in materials science and engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, or other related engineering fields
- Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, DMA, TMA, rheometry, optical microscopy, mechanical property testing
- Knowledge of aerospace quality polymeric / elastomeric materials and their processing
- Understanding of failure modes in polymer materials
- Experience with technical review of materials processing and understanding interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs
- Willingness to travel to other sites in support of hardware refurb and launch
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Materials Engineer /Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Materials Engineer /Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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.