Materials Engineer, Polymers/Electronics

Materials Engineer, Polymers/Electronics

Bastrop, TX

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SpaceX 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 SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS ENGINEER, POLYMER/ELECTRONICS

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 6M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we are looking for the best-in-class engineers to join the team.

In this role as a Materials Engineer specializing in polymers for electronics, you'll apply your expertise to tackle complex challenges in material design, selection, processing, and testing for electronic components. You'll have the opportunity to apply your hands-on experience and creative problem-solving to optimize the performance and reliability of Starlink's satellites, user terminals, and gateways, while developing innovative materials for the next-gen Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Proactively identify business needs that can benefit from your subject matter expertise as it applies to high frequency antenna device design and manufacturing, semiconductor packaging, and printed circuit board manufacturing

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  Lead a cross-functional team to develop new supply chain strategies for electronic materials and, when necessary, develop those resources internally

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  Develop and implement program initiatives with significant technical challenges that meet desired timelines, cost targets and goals

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  Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation user terminals, gateways, IC packages and printed circuit boards

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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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  Bachelor's degree in materials science, polymer science, chemistry or chemical engineering

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  2+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, including characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of electronic materials

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PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

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  Master’s degree or PhD in materials science, polymer science, chemistry or chemical engineering

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  Diverse technical expertise in elastomers, thermoplastics, and thermosets for consumer electronics applications

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  Fundamental and practical understanding of polymers used in flexible printed circuit boards, semiconductor IC packaging/encapsulation, wafer bonding, die thermal management, solder mount flux, high frequency antenna design, EMI shielding, and solar cell manufacturing

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  Hands-on experience in formulating, testing, and commercializing advanced adhesives, tapes, sealants, photoresists, thermal interface materials, prepregs and/or protective coatings for electronic assemblies

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  Strong track record of developing new materials or processes that improve performance and reduce costs and successfully transferring them to production in a fast-paced, highly competitive electronics industry

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  Expertise in polymer processing techniques (injection molding, compression molding, dispensing, screen printing) and cure chemistries (UV/thermal/moisture-cure, hot melts)

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  Execution and interpretation experience with characterization techniques including electrical testing (IV, CV, dielectric measurements) and microscopy/analytical techniques (SEM/EDS, micro-CT, DMA, DSC, TGA, FTIR, XPS)

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  Demonstrated ability to identify root causes of material failures in electronics products and implement corrective actions, including accelerated aging studies and reliability testing protocols, with proficiency in FMEA, DoEs, and statistical data analysis

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  Working familiarity with environmental compliance requirements (RoHS, REACH), and industry standards for electronic components and subassemblies (IPC, JEDEC, UL)

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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  Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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  Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% time

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  Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

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  Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces

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ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere ( .
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SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to