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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Sr. Materials Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, Washington, United StatesOnsiteFull TimeSenior$130,000–$180,000 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer for its Starlink satellite constellation program. This role involves hands-on development, implementation, and troubleshooting of advanced material systems, focusing on thermal-optical, inorganic, and organic coatings. The engineer will apply coating science and optical design fundamentals to create high-performance surfaces for space applications. Responsibilities include leading space environment testing, conducting root cause failure analysis, providing material selection input, and improving production processes. The role also involves mentoring peers and developing material design allowables. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science field and 5+ years of professional experience in electronic materials, polymers, space-survivable coatings, or joining technologies.

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.

SR. 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 Senior 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:

  • Champion new thermal-optical, inorganic, and organic coating technologies for Starlink satellites from concept through qualification, implementation, and production stabilization; collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, evaluate optical performance, and deploy optimized solutions.
  • Apply deep fundamentals of coating science, optical design, and deposition processes to develop high-performance surfaces for space applications.
  • Lead rigorous space environment testing and reliability validation, including thermal vacuum cycling, atomic oxygen, radiation, UV exposure, and other orbital simulations; iterate designs to ensure long-term durability in harsh space conditions.
  • Solve difficult technical problems of the highest scope and ambiguity; take action on these challenges by applying first principles, removing unnecessary complexity, and identifying innovative solutions through rapidly iterating, learning, and adjusting.
  • Conduct root cause investigations of material-related failures with hands-on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw material; drive down root cause to first principles mechanisms of material performance that may have influenced system-level results.
  • Provide expert input on material selection and design during hardware design reviews, offering practical recommendations for performance, simplicity, and cost.
  • Perform production process walk-downs to identify opportunities for new materials or process improvements that enhance reliability, rate, and yield.
  • Mentor peers and team members on technical problem solving, decision-making, and exercising good engineering judgment; be a point of escalation for blockers and encourage cross-team collaboration when solving technical challenges.
  • Develop and publish material design allowables that accurately reflect operational loads and space environments.

    • BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or an engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in electronic materials, polymers, space survivable coatings, EEE packaging, RF-transparent materials, and/or joining technologies (bonding, welding, brazing, soldering).

    • PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Strong expertise in materials for space applications, including coatings, polymers, electronic materials, and joining technologies.
  • Deep understanding of material performance in space environments, including degradation mechanisms and long-term stability.
  • Hands-on experience with material characterization techniques (SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, optical spectroscopy, mechanical testing) and space environment testing.
  • Demonstrated ability to link material/process variables to resulting performance and reliability.
  • Proven track record of successfully developing, qualifying, and transitioning materials from concept through high-volume production.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with a passion for innovation in cutting-edge space technology.
  • Self-motivated with excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to make fast, data-driven decisions in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.

    • 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.
  • Willingness to work long hours and weekends as needed to support manufacturing and test campaigns.

    • COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

    Pay range: Sr. Materials Engineer: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/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.

    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.

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