About this role
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 (STARSHIP)
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 w