Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink)

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 (STARLINK)  Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide.

We are committed to offering access to high-speed internet to customers, and are looking for a Polymers Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve material selection and processing challenges as we ramp service.  RESPONSIBILITIES:   Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used across various Starlink products  Support polymer selection and implementation by collaborating with design engineers to establish required design inputs for ensuring a cost effective and reliable mass consumer electronic  Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation products  Lead successful scale-up from prototype to production of relevant injection molded parts  Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for failure mechanisms  BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor's degree in materials science or an engineering discipline  1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers and/or adhesives  PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering or polymer engineering   5+ years of professional work experience (consumer products or electronics sectors are preferable)  Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing  Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers and reinforcements and their impact on polymer processing  Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing  Broad understanding of failure modes in polymeric materials  Experience with developing new processes, improving efficiencies and successfully transferring to production  Development of new testing techniques and custom test jigs  Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Learn more about the ITAR here.   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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary.

SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon...