Materials R&D Technician (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

21h•$27 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

As a Materials R&D Technician, you will play a key role in supporting materials and process development for Starlink satellites. This hands-on position focuses on laboratory operations, materials characterization, sample preparation, and process validation. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, efficient, and well-run lab.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
2+ years of hands-on materials testing or characterization experience in a laboratory environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
3+ years of experience in materials processing or characterization, with a strong focus on sample preparation, defect analysis, and contamination control.
Experience operating and maintaining thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and microscopy equipment (DSC, TGA, rheometers, SEM/EDS, etc.).
Experience working in a production-support or high-volume testing environment.
Demonstrated ability to write clear SOPs and follow complex procedures with high attention to detail.
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams.
Experience with failure analysis or root cause investigation support.

Responsibilities

Maintain safe, clean, and organized lab operations, including enforcing safety protocols, 5S standards, inventory control, and proper workflows.
Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of materials characterization equipment, including DSC, TGA, rheometers, thermal conductivity systems, FTIR, SEM/EDS, mechanical test frames, hardness testers, and metallographic preparation equipment.
Perform consistent sample preparation and testing while ensuring traceability and accurate documentation.
Review test data, provide initial interpretation, and escalate off-nominal results to engineering.
Develop, write, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab processes and equipment.
Manage daily lab workload and test requests to meet program priorities.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase lab efficiency and capability.
Use precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, etc.) and maintain compliance with relevant ASTM, ISO, and IPC standards.

Benefits

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
Paid sick time (in compliance with state and federal law for Washington State employees)
Company shuttles from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office
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