Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink)

About the role

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. Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used across various Starlink products
• Support polymer selection and implementation by collaborating with design engineers to establish required design inputs for ensuring a cost-effective and reliable mass consumer electronic
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation products
• Lead successful scale-up from prototype to production of relevant injection molded parts
• Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for failure mechanisms

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in materials science or an engineering discipline

1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers, and/or adhesives

Skills

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, or polymer engineering
• 5+ years of professional work experience (consumer products or electronics sectors are preferable)
• Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing
• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers, and reinforcements, and their impact on polymer processing
• Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing
• Broad understanding of failure modes in polymeric materials
• Experience with developing new processes, improving efficiencies and successfully transferring to production
• Development of new testing techniques and custom test jigs
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces

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.