Senior Materials Scientist or Engineer

Interlune is a space resources company based in Seattle, WA. We will provide resources from space to power a clean and sustainable economy on Earth and in space.

We are looking for a Doer who wants to join our early-stage team and accelerate humanity's progress toward an off-world future. Our engineering team combines expert knowledge of geological sciences, mechanical engineering, automation, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and advanced fabrication to build the infrastructure that will create an in-space economy. To join our small team, you must be agile, willing to learn, and able to take on multiple roles as needed.

We are seeking a materials engineer or scientist to lead material compatibility and durability assessment for lunar surface systems operating in the extreme lunar environment. This role will evaluate how dust, vacuum, thermal extremes, radiation, charging, and regolith interaction affect material performance, wear, and lifetime, and will translate those findings into material selection, qualification, testing, and design guidance for exposed hardware. 

Applicants from all industries are welcome, with particular emphasis in complex, multi-disciplinary system development. Familiarity with and prior experience in the space, agriculture, construction, or mining industry are valuable but not required.

Responsibilities: 

• Perform lunar environment compatibility analysis of materials for lunar surface systems, evaluating wear and lifetime degradation due to the extreme lunar environment.
• Perform spacecraft contamination analysis to evaluate how lunar dust and other contaminants could degrade the performance of critical rover components.
• Design and execute lunar environment compatibility testing of materials. Contribute to materials selection, qualification, and the planetary science and engineering support for dust mitigation solution design, testing, and analysis for all exposed hardware.
• Develop inputs for flammability, toxic off-gassing, and materials analysis. 
• Develop and/or support the development of materials documentation, such as the Materials Control Plan and Materials Usage Documents.

Required Qualifications: 

• B.S. in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in materials science/engineering for space applications, with a specific focus on contamination and environmental effects.
• Practical knowledge of how electrostatic charging and abrasive dust impact mechanical and electrical hardware.
• Experience in developing materials analyses, test plans, materials control documentation, and analyzing test results.
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Desired Qualifications: 

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Planetary Sciences, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, or a related technical subject area.
• Experience with material compatibility, tribology, contamination control, or coupon testing for space or planetary surface systems.
• Working knowledge of planetary sciences, geology, and lunar regolith mechanics.

Export Control Regulations

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants for employment at Interlune must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Interlune is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on creating our off-world future. Interlune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Don't meet every requirement? If you're excited about this role but you don't meet all of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply and explain why the experiences you do have are a suitable substitute. We'd hate to miss out on the perfect candidate for this or other roles. 

Compensation range for on site WA state employees is :

Target Levels:

Level 3 Range: $125,000 - $195,000

Level 4 Range: $150,000 - $250,000

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefits :

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short and long-term disability, and other benefits

Paid Time Off: Flexible PTO policy with paid company holidays.