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

This Materials Engineer role is highly multidisciplinary, focusing on assessing and providing materials engineering solutions for SpaceX's vehicle reusability efforts. The ideal candidate is familiar with polymeric processes, structural epoxy adhesives, organic and inorganic paint systems, corrosion assessment and prevention on metallic structures, and composite system processing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles on site
Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform associated required tasks, and complete required documentation per SpaceX and other external specifications such as NASA, OSHA, ASTM, NACE, ASME etc
Investigate and analyze integrated vehicle parts, and flown polymeric and inorganic coatings
Perform failure investigations
Apply corrosion knowledge and skills to assess, repair, install, troubleshoot, analyze, and perform other predictive and preventive maintenance tasks on assigned vehicle components
Investigate and analyze corrosive conditions for existing vehicle fleet
Perform basic characterization (SEM/EDS/FTIR) as first line of defense for material identification at the launch site
Support lab maintenance and capability growth

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in materials, mechanical, or chemical engineering
1+ years of experience with hardware maintenance, specifically with respect to evaluation of materials performance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in materials science or engineering
Familiarity with silicone elastomers, polyurethane, silicone paints, structural adhesives, composites
Willingness to travel
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity
Familiarity with working in a safe lab environment
Experience with FTIR spectrometer, DSC, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, and other laboratory instruments
Ability to train others in discipline job tasks and to confirm knowledge, skills and abilities of others as an evaluator for partnership skill qualification program dependent upon position level
Proficient in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; composite structure design or testing; test operations with gases/fluids; data acquisition setup and field measurements
Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Willingness to travel (up to 25%)
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces
Must be available to work long hours and weekends as necessary

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. 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Materials Engineer, Vehicle Refurbishment