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.

SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALLURGY

Our materials engineering team is serving as experts in various materials disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rocket engines in the world with production rates never seen in this field. As a member of this team, you will constantly improve the materials and processes used to make the engines and help us solve the hardest problems. This role will support every aspect of our engine design, production, testing, and reuse. You’ll be sitting right above our production lines where raw materials come in one end and engines come out the other. If your goal is to make an impact on the cutting edge of propulsion, materials, and manufacturing technologies, this is the role for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide guidance and expertise on metal usage and processing to design and manufacturing engineers
• Provide material selection support for improved performance and manufacturability of mission critical hardware
• Identify and qualify new metal alloys or novel manufacturing methods for metallic hardware
• Assist with in-house manufacturing methods such as spin forming, roll forming, age forming, castings, and additive
• Work with vendors on qualification and property development of custom manufactured forgings and castings
• Perform prototype process trials, materials analysis, and properties characterization
• Mentor a team of engineers and interns

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in material science or materials engineering
• 5+ years of professional experience with aluminum, high-strength steels, titanium or nickel based super alloys

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in material science or materials engineering
• Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
• Expert first principle knowledge of mechanical and physical metallurgy
• Detailed knowledge of aerospace or turbine materials including high-strength aluminum, nickel alloys, and titanium
• Experience in an aerospace or turbine materials and processes engineering role
• Experience with metallography and characterization techniques
• Understanding of metal processing methods and correlation with material properties
• Understanding of welding and brazing
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and highly competitive environment
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all levels of our organization
• Strong academic foundation coupled with hands-on experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          

Materials Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

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.