Materials Engineer, Propulsion Materials

Hawthorne, CA

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.

Our propulsion materials engineering team is serving as experts in various materials disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rocket engines in the world. As a member of this team you will constantly improve the materials and processes used to make the engines. This role will primarily be supporting additive manufacturing of metals but will be expected to make an impact on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of an entire engine system that spans across all of our vehicles including Starship and Falcon.

If your goal is to make an impact on the cutting edge of propulsion, materials, and manufacturing technologies, this is the role for you.

• Provide materials and process support for propulsion system designs and manufacturing
• Increase reliability of internal designs manufacturing processes through material and process development
• Develop physical, mechanical, and thermal properties for materials
• Improve our additive processes and materials through characterization and development
• Work directly with our additive engineering and manufacturing teams on a daily basis
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and testing
• Provide technical reviews and advising for design efforts specifically related to drawings, specifications, and material requirements
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles

• Bachelor's degree in materials engineering or other engineering discipline with emphasis on materials
• 2+ years of professional work experience in a materials engineering related role
• Experience with one or more of the following manufacturing methods: additive (laser powder bed fusion), casting, forging, brazing, heat treating

• Master's degree or PhD in materials engineering or related field
• Understanding of mechanical testing methods for metals including fracture and fatigue
• Familiarity with standard testing methods for materials and development of design allowables
• Experience with failure analysis and fractography including characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and metallographic analysis
• Knowledge of aerospace metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys
• Hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of non‑destructive test methods for fracture control

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Up to 10% domestic travel is expected

Pay range:
Level I: $95,000.00 - $ /per year
Level II: $ - $ /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  may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S.…