Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink)

SpaceX • Redmond, WA

9d • $135,000 - $220,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At SpaceX, we’re leveraging our rocket and spacecraft expertise to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest and most advanced satellite constellation, delivering fast internet to over 10 million users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate the full system — from thousands of satellites to user terminals and software. We’re revolutionizing the launch market through rapid reusability and cutting-edge technology. As a Sr. Materials Engineer, you’ll take a hands-on role in developing, implementing, and troubleshooting advanced material systems. You’ll use your expertise, experience, and creativity to solve complex material selection and processing challenges as we scale Starlink for high-volume production.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Welding Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or other Materials Engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with aluminum alloys used for structural and non-structural applications; metal alloys used in electronic applications; and metal-joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering).

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Weld Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or other Materials Engineering discipline.
• Experience with characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, hardness testers, mechanical property testing, and spectroscopy techniques for composition or phase.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology.
• First principles understanding of welding processes, weld strength testing methodologies, and standards used to make informed welding decisions.
• Hands-on experience with metal-joining technologies (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering) in a high-production manufacturing environment.
• Experience with failure analysis, materials testing labs, ASTM/NASA/AMS specs, or supplier management.
• Experience with technical review of materials and 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, highly competitive, and scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules.
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide materials selection, characterization, qualification, and manufacturing process support for metallic and metal-joined (welded, brazed, soldered) hardware on Starlink satellites and ground infrastructure assemblies.
• Develop mechanical and physical properties of metallic alloys and joints for the design community, including data, allowables, and process recommendations.
• Perform root cause investigations and failure analysis using fractography, metallography, SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, and other characterization testing.
• Develop, qualify, troubleshoot, and optimize metal joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering) used in production, including understanding of process variables and resulting material performance.
• Provide technical review and advising for design efforts as it relates to material alloy selection, material & process specifications, fracture requirements, and design-for-manufacturability.
• Collaborate with suppliers on qualification, property development, and issue resolution for custom-manufactured forgings, castings, and other metallic components.

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
• Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior