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 R&D TECHNICIAN

This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments, failure investigations, process control validation, and more. A basic understanding of material science fundamentals is preferred, though not required. Hands-on lab experience is required. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role will require being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and having a collaborative, can-do attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process composite test requests (including mold preparation, lamination, bagging, thermocouples, and vacuum connections); requests must be completed with rigorous attention to detail, accuracy, precision, and efficiency
Prepare and fabricate test coupons, involving, but not limited to, epoxies, silicones, paints, composites, and thermal protection materials
Setup and operate hot bond composite repair systems
Execute vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
Run and maintain cure ovens and temperature loggers
Operate machining equipment, mills, routers, lathes, and grinders (preferably CNC program capable)
Perform sample preparation of material specimens, as required by the test requests; preparation may involve machining, use of ovens for polymer cures, epoxy mounting, chemical etching, painting applications, mechanical polishing, etc.
Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation
Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review
Manage lab backlog and ensure requests are performed relative to program priorities
Maintain safe and efficient operations by enforcing proper workflow, safety, cleanliness, organization and inventory control of lab consumables
Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests
Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace
Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
1+ years of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge of safe work practices in an environment with furnaces, environmental chambers, saws, solvents, acids/bases, etc.
Experience with painting applications, equipment, and lab best practices
Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals
Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
Experience setting up and running tests and experiments
Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions
Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group
Ability to read and understand test specifications
Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow
Creative approach to problem solving, with willingness to learn and try new things
Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools
Operating mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.)
Performing mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites
Experience using calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry
Familiar with relevant ASTM standards

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed
Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment
Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted. Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour

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.

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 R&D Technician