Materials R&D Technician

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

12d • $23 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

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. MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN 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
• 1+ years of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of safe work practices in an environment with furnaces, environmental chambers, saws, solvents, acids/bases, etc.
• Experience with painting applications, equipment, and lab best practices
• 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
• Operating mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.)
• Performing mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites
• Experience using calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry
• Familiar with relevant ASTM standards
• 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

Responsibilities

• Process composite test requests (including mold preparation, lamination, bagging, thermocouples, and vacuum connections); requests must be completed with rigorous attention to detail, accuracy, precision, and efficiency
• Prepare and fabricate test coupons, involving, but not limited to, epoxies, silicones, paints, composites, and thermal protection materials
• Setup and operate hot bond composite repair systems
• Execute vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
• Run and maintain cure ovens and temperature loggers
• Operate machining equipment, mills, routers, lathes, and grinders (preferably CNC program capable)
• Perform sample preparation of material specimens, as required by the test requests; preparation may involve machining, use of ovens for polymer cures, epoxy mounting, chemical etching, painting applications, mechanical polishing, 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
• Manage lab backlog and ensure requests are performed relative to program priorities
• Maintain safe and efficient operations by enforcing proper workflow, safety, cleanliness, organization and inventory control of lab consumables
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees