Surface and Corrosion Engineer (Starship)

Surface and Corrosion Engineer (Starship) 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. Our elite Starbase team is working on the toughest and most audacious project on our planet; making humanity multi-planetary. This challenge isn’t for everyone – the working conditions can be hard on a desolate beach at the southernmost tip of the state – but hardcore projects require hardcore people. Our vehicles and launch infrastructure are pushing the limits on performance and live in some extreme environments. Ensuring that we make robust strategic decisions on the approach of our designs, and build our hardware to live in these environments, is critical to our success. If you are a high-performing engineer, want to immerse yourself in never-before-solved challenges, and are excited to put in the effort to make this goal a reality, we want to hear from you. As a member of this team, you can expect a dynamic role doing what you’re best at. Our team is building high-performance flight hardware, a high-volume rocket production line, and a launch system that can rapidly and reliably launch and land our rockets. Your skills and hands on work ethic in the field of corrosion control, mitigation, and design practices will be put to use every day with some of the biggest vehicles ever built. RESPONSIBILITIES: Work closely with engineers and influence flight hardware design to ensure the right materials, coatings, and protections get implemented from the get go that enable the long-term health and reusability in corrosion near ocean environments. Daily hands‑on activities such as troubleshooting, developing procedures, conducting inspections, testing, and analyzing hardware to ensure close connection to the as‑built hardware and drive immediate action when necessary. Create control plans and put in place the framework for mitigations for our vehicles and critical hardware such that programmatically we are set up for sustainable long‑term success. Research, test and implement new protective coatings which could be used to protect hardware in challenging combined loads environments but enable large reductions in requirement inspections and maintenance. Train inspectors, technicians and other engineers on procedures and techniques to ensure we establish a well‑educated and co‑conscious environment that prioritizes identifying and addressing issues related to corrosion or tribology. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in engineering. 1+ years of experience in corrosion control, mitigation, or research (significant academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify). PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data‑driven decisions. Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information. Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals. Proven success in multiple endeavors at once. Maybe you worked through college, were a student athlete, or demonstrated strong work or academic performance in multiple fields. Practical work experience in corrosion control coatings, inhibitors, paints or/and electrochemistry on facilities, equipment or other real‑world applications. Ability to use laboratory instruments used in the analysis and study of corrosion. Knowledge and experience implementing and utilizing corrosion specifications such as those from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). Familiar or experienced with basic metal fabrication techniques such as welding, machining and sheet metal forming. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary. Ability to travel domestically to other SpaceX sites such as California or Florida. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Materials Engineer/LevelI: $95,000.00 – $115,000.00 per year Materials Engineer/LevelII: $110,000.00 – $130,000.00 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: 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 SpaceX’s hiring team. #J-18808-Ljbffr