Principal Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink)

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
• 10+ 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
• Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing
• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers, and reinforcements, and their impact on polymer processing
• Strong background in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing
• Expert 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.