Materials R&D Specialist (Starlink)

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. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Maintain safe, clean, and organized lab operations, including enforcing safety protocols, 5S standards, inventory control, and proper workflows. 
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of materials characterization equipment, including DSC, TGA, rheometers, thermal conductivity systems, FTIR, SEM/EDS, mechanical test frames, hardness testers, and metallographic preparation equipment. 
• Perform consistent sample preparation and testing while ensuring traceability and accurate documentation. 
• Review test data, provide initial interpretation, and escalate off-nominal results to engineering. 
• Develop, write, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab processes and equipment. 
• Manage daily lab workload and test requests to meet program priorities. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase lab efficiency and capability. 
• Use precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, etc.) and maintain compliance with relevant ASTM, ISO, and IPC standards. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 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. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• 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. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $34.00 - $42.00
Level 2: $40.00 - $52.00
Level 3: $48.00 - $64.00

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.