Sr. Materials Engineer (Materials Laboratory)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

5h•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. The Sr. Materials Engineer is a self-starter responsible for ensuring the quality, integrity, and usability of data generated across the Materials Lab while leading the development and qualification of new and improved test processes. You will establish engineering controls and quality systems, train lab personnel on first principles, investigate data anomalies, and drive capability expansion across Thermal, Characterization, Chemistry, Reliability, Mechanical Testing, and R&D segments. This role requires strong project management skills to simultaneously advance multiple initiatives while building a state-of-the-art laboratory that delivers high-quality data quickly to support SpaceX’s most critical hardware programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of professional experience as an engineer working in a materials testing or characterization laboratory
Hands-on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing, thermal analysis, or materials characterization techniques

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a related discipline
Deep understanding of materials science across a wide range of domains including metals, polymers, ceramics, felts, adhesives, and composites
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with clear schedules and deliverables
Strong engineering judgment and self-motivation with a track record of driving projects independently
Experience developing, qualifying, and documenting new laboratory test methods or processes
Strong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) and statistical methods for data analysis
Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on test data, equipment issues, or process deviations
Experience training or mentoring lab technicians, specialists, and engineers
Proficiency with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
Hands-on experience with equipment such as SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, spark OES, pycnometer, tensile/compression/fatigue testers, TGA, DSC, DMA, Gleeble, or similar
Passion for building and operating a high-performing, state-of-the-art materials laboratory that delivers high-quality data quickly

Responsibilities

Own data quality and integrity across the Materials Lab, including Thermal Analysis (TGA, LFA, DSC, DMA, STA, etc.), Characterization (SEM, EDS, XRD, optical microscopy, FTIR, etc.), Chemistry (ICP, spark OES, PSD, pycnometer testing, etc.), Reliability (corrosion, coatings, etc.), Mechanical Testing (cryo, room temperature, and elevated temperature tensile/compression/fatigue, Charpy, fracture toughness, etc.), and R&D (torch testing, heat treatments, Gleeble, and process development, etc.)
Develop and implement engineering controls, calibration procedures, and quality systems to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable data output from all lab areas
Serve as a technical trainer and mentor, teaching lab technicians and engineers the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for execution
Rapidly learn and master new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first-principles understanding, then identify opportunities for improvements and draw deeper technical inferences from test results
Lead root cause investigations for anomalous or out-of-specification data, determine data validity, and provide clear recommendations to internal customers on how to interpret and apply results
Perform failure analysis on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes, and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior, failure mechanisms, and recommendations for material selection and design improvements
Drive process improvement and new capability development projects, including the introduction of currently unavailable methods (such as fatigue crack growth testing) and optimization of existing techniques (such as XRD)
Develop, qualify, and document new or improved test processes, create work instructions and training materials, train technicians, and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operations
Manage multiple concurrent projects with clear, visible schedules and deliverables while driving the lab toward state-of-the-art capabilities
Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to understand testing requirements and deliver high-value, actionable materials data in support of vehicle and engine programs