Sr. Materials Engineer, Materials Laboratory

Sr. Materials Engineer, Materials LaboratoryHawthorne, CASpaceX 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.The Sr. Materials Engineer is a self-starter responsible for ensuring the quality, integrity, and usability of data generated across the Materials Lab while leading the development and qualification of new and improved test processes. You will establish engineering controls and quality systems, train lab personnel on first principles, investigate data anomalies, and drive capability expansion across Thermal, Characterization, Chemistry, Reliability, Mechanical Testing, and R&D segments. This role requires strong project management skills to simultaneously advance multiple initiatives while building a state-of-the-art laboratory that delivers high-quality data quickly to support SpaceX's most critical hardware programs.Responsibilities:Own data quality and integrity across the Materials Lab, including Thermal Analysis (TGA, LFA, DSC, DMA, STA, etc.), Characterization (SEM, EDS, XRD, optical microscopy, FTIR, etc.), Chemistry (ICP, spark OES, PSD, pycnometer testing, etc.), Reliability (corrosion, coatings, etc.), Mechanical Testing (cryo, room temperature, and elevated temperature tensile/compression/fatigue, Charpy, fracture toughness, etc.), and R&D (torch testing, heat treatments, Gleeble, and process development, etc.)Develop and implement engineering controls, calibration procedures, and quality systems to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable data output from all lab areasServe as a technical trainer and mentor, teaching lab technicians and engineers the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for executionRapidly learn and master new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first-principles understanding, then identify opportunities for improvements and draw deeper technical inferences from test resultsLead root cause investigations for anomalous or out-of-specification data, determine data validity, and provide clear recommendations to internal customers on how to interpret and apply resultsPerform failure analysis on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes, and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior, failure mechanisms, and recommendations for material selection and design improvementsDrive process improvement and new capability development projects, including the introduction of currently unavailable methods (such as fatigue crack growth testing) and optimization of existing techniques (such as XRD)Develop, qualify, and document new or improved test processes, create work instructions and training materials, train technicians, and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operationsManage multiple concurrent projects with clear, visible schedules and deliverables while driving the lab toward state-of-the-art capabilitiesCollaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to understand testing requirements and deliver high-value, actionable materials data in support of vehicle and engine programsBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field5+ years of professional experience as an engineer working in a materials testing or characterization laboratoryHands-on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing, thermal analysis, or materials characterization techniquesPreferred Skills and Experience:Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a related disciplineDeep understanding of materials science across a wide range of domains including metals, polymers, ceramics, felts, adhesives, and compositesDemonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with clear schedules and deliverablesStrong engineering judgment and self-motivation with a track record of driving projects independentlyExperience developing, qualifying, and documenting new laboratory test methods or processesStrong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) and statistical methods for data analysisDemonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on test data, equipment issues, or process deviationsExperience training or mentoring lab technicians, specialists, and engineersProficiency with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)Hands-on experience with equipment such as SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, spark OES, pycnometer, tensile/compression/fatigue testers, TGA, DSC, DMA, Gleeble, or similarPassion for building and operating a high-performing, state-of-the-art materials laboratory that delivers high-quality data quicklyAdditional Requirements:Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as neededAbility to lift up to 25 lbs and work in a laboratory environmentCompensation and Benefits: Pay Range: Level 3: $135,000.00 - $190,000.00Your 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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.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 reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.