Materials R&D Technician

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 R&D TECHNICIAN This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments, failure investigations, process control validation, and more.

A basic understanding of material science fundamentals is preferred, though not required. Hands-on lab experience is required. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role will require being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and having a collaborative, can-do attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operate mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.) OR operate characterization instruments (SDT, TGA, TMA, DMA, DSC, FTIR, SEM, etc.) and report associated material data produced  Perform mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites OR characterization work scope (thermal testing, imaging, etc.)  Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation  Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review  Maintain safe and efficient operations through proper lab safety, cleanliness, and organization  Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests  Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace  Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions  Use calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry  Familiarize with relevant ASTM standards  BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalency certificate 1+ years of hands-on materials testing experience in a laboratory setting PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of safe work practices in a lab environment with solvents, acids/bases, thermal protection systems, polymers, etc.  Experience with thermal instruments (TGA, DMA, DSC, etc.)  Experience with mechanical test frames (Instron, MTS, etc.)  Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals  Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team  Experience setting up and running tests and experiments  Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions  Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems  Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group  Ability to read and understand test specifications  Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow  Creative approach to problem solving, with willingness to learn and try new things  Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted.

Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  Pay range:    Materials R&D Tech/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour  Materials R&D Tech/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour  Materials R&D Tech/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/hour  Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. 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...