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 CHARACTERIZATION TECHNICIAN (MATERIALS & PROCESS LAB)

This is a multi-disciplinary laboratory-based role focused on characterization testing of materials with a broad scope. The team works closely with engineering for evaluation and qualification of materials for use on space vehicles and to perform failure analysis to determine root cause.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support the Materials Characterization Lab though sample preparation and executing testing procedures
• Perform operation, calibration, and maintenance, on thermal testing equipment, microscopes, sectioning and polishing equipment, and other miscellaneous tools
• Maintain a clean and organized work station
• Analysis of data and reporting results to engineering teams
• Detailed documentation of testing parameters, equipment setup, and other possible variables
• Work with engineering teams to execute non-standard testing to support launch vehicle and spacecraft hardware design and production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Some college experience in chemistry, physics, engineering, or material science
• Understanding of safe work practices in a lab environment with furnaces, saws, solvents, acids/bases and other chemicals
• Ability to multitask and adapt to rapidly changing responsibilities while working in a fast-paced, challenging, work environment while following standard operating procedures
• Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work-order systems
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to read and understand testing specifications
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience using various types of hand tools

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work overtime and on weekends to meet critical deadlines if needed
• Must be able to don appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for laboratory and machine shop environment
• Must be able to lift 50lbs unassisted, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, and walk

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range:  Materials Characterization Lab Technician/Level 1: $22.00 - $27.00/hour    Materials Characterization Lab Technician/Level 2: $25.00 - $32.50/hour    Materials Characterization Lab Technician/Level 3: $30.00 - $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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.