Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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, METALS (STARSHIP)

Our Starship Materials Engineering team serves as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and works on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team, you will constantly improve the materials and processes used to make these structures and components. This role will primarily support component‑level hardware, including but not limited to control devices and mechanisms that drive critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy—from regulators and butterfly valves to flap/fin actuators. We design, manufacture, and test valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, compatibility with various fluids, temperatures ranging from 80 to 800 K, and pressures beyond 800 bar. Special processing of metals—including but not limited to plate/bar/sheet processing, casting, forging, coatings, and heat treating—is expected to impact the design, analysis, and manufacturing of components and mechanisms that span across all our Starship vehicles. If your goal is to make an impact on the cutting edge of propulsion control devices, materials, and manufacturing technologies, this is the role for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, develop, and deploy materials and process direction for propulsion, mechanism, and valve system designs and manufacturing. Increase reliability of internal design manufacturing processes through material and process selection, analysis, development, and test. Develop physical, mechanical, and thermal properties for materials. Improve our special processes and materials through characterization and development. Work directly with component design, build and test engineering, design reliability, and production teams on a daily basis. Perform root‑cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and testing. Provide technical reviews and advising for design efforts specifically related to drawings, specifications, and material requirements. Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next‑generation vehicles.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in materials engineering or another engineering discipline with an emphasis on materials. 5+ years of professional work experience in a materials engineering related role. Experience and expertise with multiple manufacturing methods, including tribological coatings (conversion, inorganic, dry‑film lubricants), sheet/plate metal processing, casting, forging, brazing, welding, and heat treating.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree or PhD in materials engineering or a related field. Tribological processes, including evaluating and implementing protective coatings (polyurethane, urethane, conversion coating, inorganic coatings, dry‑film lubricants, etc.) for internal and external environmental conditions involving thermal, wear, atmospheric, and space environments. Understanding of mechanical testing methods for metals, including wear, tensile, fracture, and fatigue. Familiarity with development of design allowables. Experience with failure analysis and fractography, including characterization techniques such as Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and metallographic analysis. Knowledge of aerospace metals, including nickel‑based alloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys. Knowledge of fluid and gas compatibility for various launch vehicle and spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems. Hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment. Understanding of non‑destructive test methods for fracture and fatigue control. Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform associated required tasks, and complete required documentation per SpaceX specifications and external specifications such as NASA, OSHA, ASTM, NACE, ASME, AWS, ASM, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones. Up to 10% domestic travel is expected.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: Sr. Materials Engineer: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00 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 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, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may accrue three weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for ten 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 (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr SpaceX