Materials Engineer, Thermal Protection (Starship)

SpaceX
United States
Full timeFunction: Communications, PR & CommunityEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Problem-solving","Critical thinking","Attention to detail","Team collaboration","Clear communication"]

Develop and optimize low-density alumina-silica refractory insulators for Starship’s thermal protection system. In the thermal protection R&D team, you’ll design, test, and analyze materials; run experiments on developmental components; and build thermal protection hardware that improves heatshield performance and reduces cost. You’ll work closely with design and production engineers, lab teams, and process engineers to advance materials through ideation to scalable manufacturing.

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FursaFursa
SpaceX
SpaceX
1 month ago

Materials Engineer, Thermal Protection (Starship)

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Last checked: 7 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Develop and optimize low-density alumina-silica refractory insulators for Starship’s thermal protection system. In the thermal protection R&D team, you’ll design, test, and analyze materials; run experiments on developmental components; and build thermal protection hardware that improves heatshield performance and reduces cost. You’ll work closely with design and production engineers, lab teams, and process engineers to advance materials through ideation to scalable manufacturing.
Location: United States
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Communications, PR & Community
Seniority: Entry level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Develop and execute experiments, procedures, and tests on developmental components.
  • •Design and develop thermal protection hardware to enable and optimize vehicle heatshield material properties and cost reduction.
  • •Operate and use ceramic and chemical lab tools and equipment.
  • •Collaborate with process engineers to develop scalable production solutions.
  • •Work with engineering staff and technicians and manage multiple priorities to meet project goals.
Travel: Low travel

Key Requirements

  • •Bachelor’s degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
  • •1+ years of experience in high-temperature ceramic or technical glass (academic projects, internships, and professional experience all qualify).
  • •Experience developing material systems from ideation to final product.
  • •Experience working directly with system, design, and analysis engineers.
  • •Familiarity with hypersonic, spaceflight, or re-entry environments, including material degradation mechanisms and failure modes.
Education:Bachelor's in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
Skills:Problem-solvingCritical thinkingAttention to detailTeam collaborationClear communication
Languages:English
Tech Stack:CADCeramic lab toolsChemical lab toolsData acquisition

Eligibility

Nationality:US National

Company Brief

SpaceX
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers, aiming to reduce space transportation costs and enable human life on Mars through reusable launch vehicles and integrated space systems.
Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Growth: Established Company
Valuation: Hectocorn (USD 100B+)
Funding: Series E+
Headquarters: Hawthorne, United States
Founded: 2002
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