Materials R&D Technician - Level 4/5

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments, failure investigations, process control validation, and more. A basic understanding of material science fundamentals is preferred, though not required. Hands-on lab experience is required. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role will require being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and having a collaborative, can-do attitude.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
5+ years of hands-on materials testing experience in a laboratory setting
Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed
Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment
Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted.
Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of material science fundamentals
Knowledge of safe work practices in a lab environment with solvents, acids/bases, thermal protection systems, polymers, etc.
Experience with thermal instruments (TGA, DMA, DSC, etc.)
Experience with mechanical test frames (Instron, MTS, etc.)
Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals
Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
Experience setting up and running tests and experiments
Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions
Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group
Ability to read and understand test specifications
Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow
Creative approach to problem solving, with willingness to learn and try new things
Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools

Responsibilities

Operate mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.) OR operate characterization instruments (SDT, TGA, TMA, DMA, DSC, FTIR, SEM, etc.) and report associated material data produced
Perform mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites OR characterization work scope (thermal testing, imaging, etc.)
Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation
Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review
Maintain safe and efficient operations through proper lab safety, cleanliness, and organization
Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests
Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace
Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions
Use calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry
Familiarize with relevant ASTM standards

Benefits

long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, or long-term cash awards
potential discretionary bonuses
ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
access to a 401(k) retirement plan
short and long-term disability insurance
life insurance
paid parental leave
various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year