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

* Operating mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.)

* Performing mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites

* Experience using calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry

* Familiar with relevant ASTM standards

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: $23.00 - $27.00/hour

Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour

Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour

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…