Materials Engineer

MATERIALS ENGINEER, TEST (STARSHIP)

Our elite Starbase team is working on the toughest and most audacious project on our planet; making humanity multiplanetary. This challenge isn’t for everyone – the working conditions can be hard on a desolate beach at the southernmost tip of the state – but hardcore projects require hardcore people. Our vehicles and launch infrastructure are pushing the limits on performance and require us to push the limits of materials. Developing new materials, new processes and quickly solving problems is critical to advancing our mission. If you are a high performing engineer, want to immerse yourself in never-before-solved challenges, and are excited to put in the effort to make this goal a reality, we want to hear from you. 

As a member of this team you can expect a dynamic role doing what you’re best at. Our team is building high performance flight hardware, a high-volume rocket production line, and a launch system that can rapidly and reliably launch and land our rockets. Your skills, advanced knowledge and hands on expertise in high performance metals and materials will be help us push this envelope.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own outcomes of critical materials to our program
• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission
• Repeated ownership of test campaigns; including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation; DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments based
• Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety
• Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and testing
• Work directly with engineers developing the flight hardware to ensure proper utilization of materials
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering or related STEM field 
• 2+ years of professional, research, and/or internship experience working on metallics, polymers, or testing in a materials engineering role

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware or test operations
• Demonstrated experience where quick thinking and tangible problem-solving skills play a critical role
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, pneumatic valves)
• Experience using 3D modeling software (Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience fostering an environment of extremely high personal accountability and responsibility
• Understanding of mechanical testing methods for metals
• Familiarity with standard testing methods for materials and development of design allowables
• Experience with failure analysis and fractography including characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and metallographic analysis
• Knowledge of aerospace metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read, understand and apply technical manuals, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics and design specifications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors and noise
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Infrequent travel to other SpaceX sites such as California or Florida