Job Information
SpaceX Materials R&D Technician in Starbase, Texas
Materials R&D Technician at SpaceX
Starbase, TX
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
Our elite Starbase team is working on the toughest and most audacious project on our planet; making humanity multi-planetary. This challenge isn’t for everyone – the working conditions can be hard on a desolate beach at the southernmost tip of the state – but hardcore projects require hardcore people. Our vehicles and launch infrastructure are pushing the limits on performance and require us to push the limit on materials. Developing new materials, testing our advanced processes, and creating accurate material allowables are critical to advancing our mission. If you are a high performer, want to immerse yourself in never-before-solved challenges, and are excited to put in the effort to make this goal a reality, we want to hear from you.
As a team member you can expect a dynamic role doing what you’re best at. Our team is building high performance flight hardware, a high-volume rocket production line, and a launch system that can rapidly and reliably launch and land our rockets. Your skills will help us operate a world class mechanical and materials test lab to help enable us to iterate, diagnose, and drive our build and launch site into a powerhouse of production and materials innovation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Deliver high-quality results by performing various standardized mechanical tests including tensile, compression, fatigue, and fracture toughness at cryogenic, room, and elevated temperatures to help support the building and development of SpaceX’s launch vehicles and spacecraft
Use of mechanical testing software, data collection, and data report generation
Work with engineering to execute non-standard testing to support launch vehicle and spacecraft hardware design and production
Test Article fabrication (including machining, welding bonding, polishing, fixturing)
Characterization of materials and welds though sample preparation and executing testing procedures using equipment such as microscopes, sectioning and polishing equipment, SEM/EDS FTIR, and other miscellaneous tools
Operate machining equipment, mills, routers, lathes, and grinders (preferably CNC program capable)
Ensure all test equipment/measurement tool calibration is scheduled and performed
Analysis of data and reporting results to engineering teams
Maintain a clean and organized work station
Run and maintain cure ovens and temperature loggers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GED
1+ years of the following:
Materials Testing experience
Machining experience
Layup, bonding, or assembly of composites
Hands-on experience in a laboratory setting
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience with manufacturing mechanical test coupons with methods such as milling, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and waterjet
Experience using material characterization equipment such as a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), or metallography tools
Understanding of ASTM test methods tensile, fatigue, and fracture toughness testing fundamentals
Experience in post test data processing and understanding good vs bad data in results
Experience with welding and metal fabrication
Experience with Non Destructive Testing/Inspection
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings
Knowledge/experience of strain gage installation
Understanding of safe work practices in a lab environment with furnaces, saws, solvents, acids/bases and other chemicals
Highly organized, collaborative, and able to pivot quickly in a dynamic / fast-paced /cross-functional environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed with minimal notice
Able to wear appropriate PPE for mechanical testing and machine shop environment
Able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs. unassisted
Lifting, standing, climbing, 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 Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $28.00/hour
Materials R&D Technician/Level 2: $28.00 - $33.00/hour
Materials R&D Technician/Level 3: $33.00 - $38.00/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, stock options, 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 (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.