Materials R&D Specialist (Starlink)

As a  Materials R&D specialist, you will play a key role in supporting materials and process development for Starlink satellites. This hands-on position focuses on laboratory operations, materials characterization, sample preparation, and process validation. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, efficient, and well-run lab. 

• →Bachelor’s diploma or equivalency certificate. 
• →4+ years of hands-on materials testing or characterization experience in a laboratory environment. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. 
• 3+ years of experience in materials processing or characterization, with strong focus on sample preparation, defect analysis, and contamination control. 
• Experience operating and maintaining thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and microscopy equipment (DSC, TGA, rheometers, SEM/EDS, etc.). 
• Experience working in a production-support or high-volume testing environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to write clear SOPs and follow complex procedures with high attention to detail. 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams. 
• Experience with failure analysis or root cause investigation support. 

• Ability to work off-shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed. 
• Ability to wear appropriate PPE and work in a lab and machine shop environment. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted. 
• Must be able to stand, bend, stoop, and perform physical tasks associated with lab and sample preparation work. 

• 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.