Materials R&D Technician

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.

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN

This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments, failure investigations, process control validation, and more. A basic understanding of material science fundamentals is preferred, though not required. Hands-on lab experience is required. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role will require being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and having a collaborative, can-do attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process composite test requests (including mold preparation, lamination, bagging, thermocouples, and vacuum connections); requests must be completed with rigorous attention to detail, accuracy, precision, and efficiency
• Prepare and fabricate test coupons, involving, but not limited to, epoxies, silicones, paints, composites, and thermal protection materials
• Setup and operate hot bond composite repair systems
• Execute vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
• Run and maintain cure ovens and temperature loggers
• Operate machining equipment, mills, routers, lathes, and grinders (preferably CNC program capable)
• Perform sample preparation of material specimens, as required by the test requests; preparation may involve machining, use of ovens for polymer cures, epoxy mounting, chemical etching, painting applications, mechanical polishing, etc.
• Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation
• Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review
• Manage lab backlog and ensure requests are performed relative to program priorities
• Maintain safe and efficient operations by enforcing proper workflow, safety, cleanliness, organization and inventory control of lab consumables
• Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests
• Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace
• Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment

PREFERRED

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of safe work practices in an environment with furnaces, environmental chambers, saws, solvents, acids/bases, etc.
• Experience with painting applications, equipment, and lab best practices
• Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals
• Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
• Experience setting up and running tests and experiments
• Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions
• Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group
• Ability to read and understand test specifications
• Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow
• Creative approach to problem solving, with willingness to learn and try new things
• Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed
• Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted. Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Level 1: $24.00 - $31.00/hour

Level 2: $28.00 - $37.00/hour

Level 3: $33.00 - $43.00/hour

Your…