Job Detail

Job Description

Materials Engineer, Polymers at SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL, United States

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 ENGINEER, POLYMERS

As a polymers engineer within the materials engineering department, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve difficult material and process challenges at the cutting edge of space technology. This role based at SpaceX's Cape Canaveral, FL launch site will work on launch vehicles and spacecraft that deliver satellites into earth orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity's reach beyond the earth and moon.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric/elastomeric materials used across all SpaceX products (including, but not limited to, structural and non-structural plastics and adhesives, elastomeric seals and gap-filling sealants)

• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles

• Develop and implement novel material solutions to improve performance and efficiency in high reliability applications

• Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for adhesive/rubber/plastic failure mechanisms

• Support polymer material property development by collaborating with design engineers to establish required design inputs and developing allowables for any gaps identified in the data set

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, polymer engineering, or other technical discipline

• 1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of plastics, elastomers and/or adhesives

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, or polymer engineering

• 5+ years of post-graduation work experience (aerospace or spaceflight sectors are preferable)

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team's spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology

• Exhibit a diverse knowledge of aerospace quality polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing

• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers and reinforcements

• Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, cross-section sample preparation and mechanical property testing

• Broad understanding of failure modes in polymer materials

• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment

• Experience with technical review of materials processing and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance

• Hands-on experience in a high-intensity production environment

• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

• Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary

• Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shifts are often necessary - flexibility is required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

Job Detail

• Location:
  Cape Canaveral, Florida
• Company:
  SpaceX