Sr. Materials Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

Sr. Materials Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

Bastrop, TX

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Space

X continues to revolutionize the launch industry by combining advanced technological developments with pragmatic and lean manufacturing. This is especially important for the future of rapid and high-volume Starship flight, where power generation is crucial. As a member of the Materials Engineering team, you will own solving complex materials challenges in a rapidly innovating environment. You will interact closely with foundry engineering and operations teams, and have direct impact on producing Ni-superalloy castings for power generation, ultimately ushering in the next era of revolutionary spaceflight.

• Accelerate progress on development and production of SX (single crystal), DS (directionally solidified), and EQ (equiax) casted components for gas turbines
• Develop, qualify and troubleshoot metal casting processes used in production
• Execute failure analysis of casted components as a result of process fallout and/or in-service failures, working in tandem with design and process engineers to drive yield higher
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and characterization techniques
• Provide technical review and advising for design efforts as it relates to material alloy and form selection, tooling, and material and process specifications
• Drive property development and qualification test plan design and execution and of castings and foundry processes
• Responsible for coordinating with various engineering teams, supply chain, vendors, operations, technicians, and senior leadership on a consistent basis to stay aligned on product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost requirements
• Drive improvements to design via feedback on manufacturability, performance, efficiency, and product life to optimize business needs

• Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience working in metal casting technologies

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or equivalent engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience with SX or DSCasting technologies using Ni-based superalloys
• Experience working on casting blades and vanes for industrial gas turbines or aerospace engines
• 3+ years of experience with metallographic characterization techniques and equipment, such as SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, hardness testers, mechanical property testing, and/or spectroscopy techniques for composition or phase
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology
• Experience with technical review of material processes and a first principles understanding of how process variables impact material performance
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Hands‑on experience in a high‑production manufacturing environment
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills

• Willingness to travel to other Space
  
  X sites and/or vendors (up to 15%)
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted
• Standing/walking for long periods of time
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (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.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X 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 Space

X’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to