Materials R&D Lab Technician (Starlink)

MATERIALS R&D LAB TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation, is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. We are looking for a highly motivated technician to join the Redmond materials engineering team in a laboratory-based role performing multi-disciplinary materials characterization testing. 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:

• Perform thermal, mechanical and physical characterization testing of metallic and non-metallic materials in a lab-based setting; test requests must be completed with rigorous attention to detail, accuracy, precision, and efficiency
• Develop operational proficiency of all analytical instruments in the lab
• 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, 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, saws, solvents, acids/bases, etc.
• Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals
• Familiarity operating thermal and chemical characterization equipment, such as FTIR, DSC, and rheometer
• Familiarity operating microscopy equipment, such as optical microscope and SEM
• 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:    

• Materials Technician/Level 1: $22.00 - $29.00/hour
• Materials Technician/Level 2: $27.00 - $34.50/hour
• Materials Technician/Level 3: $32.00 - $40.00/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 at SpaceX. You 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. Non-exempt Washington employees are eligible for sick leave in accordance with Washington's Sick Leave policies.