Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

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 (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a Senior Materials Engineer, you will own solving complex materials challenges of our current and next generation satellite designs in a rapidly innovating environment. You will regularly interface with engineering and production teams, as well as have hands‑on responsibilities with flight hardware. RESPONSIBILITIES: Champion materials‑related initiatives for Starshield satellites from conceptualization through development, qualification, implementation, and production stabilization; work closely with partner teams on rolling out optimized solutions Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of metals, polymers, coatings, and joining/forming techniques used across the current and next generation Starshield satellite designs Develop, qualify and implement coatings for thermal control or optical applications Conduct and direct hands‑on laboratory testing and rigorous failure analysis of flight hardware and raw stock materials Lead root cause failure investigations, acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for metallic and polymer failure mechanisms through hands‑on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw materials, always driving to first principles Perform prototype process trials, materials analysis, and property characterization Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in‑house production line Work with external vendors to establish process control of existing designs and identify new opportunities for product development and improvement BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related engineering discipline 5+ years of professional experience with polymers, coatings, joining technologies (bonding, welding, brazing, soldering) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or other related technical discipline Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting‑edge technology Experience in characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheology, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing Experience with technical review of material processes and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast‑paced, and highly competitive environment Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 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 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 3: $135,000.00 - $190,000.00 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, 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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program. 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 Affiliation 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