Materials Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Hawthorne, CA

The Materials Engineer is a self‑starter responsible for ensuring the quality, integrity, and usability of data generated across the Materials Lab while leading the development and qualification of new and improved test processes. You will establish engineering controls and quality systems, train lab personnel on first principles, investigate data anomalies, and drive capability expansion across Thermal, Characterization, Chemistry, Reliability, Mechanical Testing, and R&D segments. The role requires strong project management skills to simultaneously advance multiple initiatives while building a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory that delivers high‑quality data quickly to support SpaceX’s most critical hardware programs.

• Own data quality and integrity across the Materials Lab, including Thermal Analysis (TGA, LFA, DSC, DMA, STA, etc.), Characterization (SEM, EDS, XRD, optical microscopy, FTIR, etc.), Chemistry (ICP, spark OES, PSD, pycnometer testing, etc.), Reliability (corrosion, coatings, etc.), Mechanical Testing (cryo, room temperature, and elevated temperature tensile/compression/fatigue, Charpy, fracture toughness, etc.), and R&D (torch testing, heat treatments, Gleeble, and process development, etc.)
• Develop and implement engineering controls, calibration procedures, and quality systems to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable data output from all lab areas.
• Serve as a technical trainer and mentor, teaching lab technicians and engineers the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for execution.
• Rapidly learn and master new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first‑principles understanding, then identify opportunities for improvement and draw deeper technical inferences from test results.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for anomalous or out‑of‑specification data, determine data validity, and provide clear recommendations to internal customers on how to interpret and apply results.
• Perform failure analysis on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes, and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior, failure mechanisms, and recommendations for material selection and design improvements.
• Drive process improvement and new capability development projects, including the introduction of currently unavailable methods (e.g., fatigue crack growth testing) and optimization of existing techniques (e.g., XRD).
• Develop, qualify, and document new or improved test processes, create work instructions and training materials, train technicians, and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operations.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with clear, visible schedules and deliverables while driving the lab toward state‑of‑the‑art capabilities.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to understand testing requirements and deliver high‑value, actionable materials data in support of vehicle and engine programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering, metallurgical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.
• 1+ years of professional experience as an engineer working in a materials testing or characterization laboratory.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing, thermal analysis, or materials characterization techniques.

• Master’s degree or PhD in materials science and engineering or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of professional experience as an engineer working in a materials testing or characterization laboratory.
• Deep understanding of materials science across a wide range of domains, including metals, polymers, ceramics, felts, adhesives, and composites.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with clear schedules and deliverables.
• Strong engineering judgment and self‑motivation with a track record of driving projects independently.
• Experience developing, qualifying, and documenting new laboratory test methods or processes.
• Strong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) and statistical methods for data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root‑cause analysis on test data, equipment issues, or process deviations.
• Experience training or mentoring lab technicians, specialists, and engineers.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Hands‑on experience with equipment such as SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, spark OES, pycnometer, tensile/compression/fatigue testers, TGA, DSC, DMA, Gleeble, or similar.
• Passion for building and operating a high‑performing, state‑of‑the‑art materials laboratory that delivers high‑quality data quickly.

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work in a laboratory environment.

Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000.00 – $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 – $140,000.00

Base salary is just one part of the total rewards package at SpaceX. Eligible employees may receive long‑term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, a 401(k) retirement plan, medical/vision/dental coverage, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts and perks. Many employees accrue paid sick leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year.

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.