Materials Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

MATERIALS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we’re leveraging our rocket and spacecraft expertise to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest and most advanced satellite constellation, delivering fast internet to over 10 million users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate the full system — from thousands of satellites to user terminals and software.

We’re revolutionizing the launch market through rapid reusability and cutting-edge technology. As a Materials Engineer, you’ll take a hands-on role in developing, implementing, and troubleshooting advanced material systems. You’ll use your expertise, experience, and creativity to solve complex material selection and processing challenges as we scale Starlink for high-volume production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the development, scale-up, qualification, reliability testing, and production stabilization of novel thermoset and thermoplastic polymer systems (adhesives, sealants, coatings, rubbers, plastics, and injection-molded parts) for Starlink satellites and products, applying deep process knowledge and expertise.
• Guide engineering, production, and supply chain teams on material selection, testing, analysis, DFM requirements, application processes, and design allowables to deliver cost-effective, robust solutions for harsh space environments.
• Lead root cause failure investigations, acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for polymer failure mechanisms through hands-on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw materials, always driving to first principles.
• Champion innovation by solving high-ambiguity problems through rapid iteration (“the algorithm”), providing risk foresight in design reviews, performing production walk-downs, conducting ROI analyses, and leading prototype-to-volume transitions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive material and process improvements on current and next-generation products, while mentoring team members on problem-solving, technical judgment, escalation, and collaboration.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, materials engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, or other engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of plastics, elastomers, and adhesives.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, polymer, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with genuine enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology.
• Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, DMA, TMA, rheometry, optical microscopy, and mechanical property testing.
• Familiarity with industry specifications for adhesives, sealants, coatings, structural plastics, and other non-metallic materials.
• Demonstrated track record of success in a fast-paced, highly competitive environment.
• Strong ability to work autonomously, communicate effectively, and take extreme ownership of areas of responsibility.
• Broad knowledge of aerospace-grade polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing.
• Deep understanding of failure modes in polymer materials.
• Experience with technical review of polymer processing and the interaction between process variables and final material performance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant or extended periods (up to 25%).
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    
Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    
Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year    
    
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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.