Sr. Materials Engineer, Blades and Vanes R&D

The role

You will solve complex materials challenges by conducting applied research on cast components for gas turbines. You will interact with foundry engineering and operations teams to produce Ni-superalloy castings.

What you will do

• Conduct applied research on single crystal, directionally solidified, and equiaxed cast components for gas turbines
• Investigate casting processes and parameters to improve material quality, reliability, and manufacturability
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate casting processes and identify defects
• Analyze cast component failures arising during manufacturing or service
• Conduct root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and materials characterization techniques
• Evaluate material selection, material forms, tooling approaches, and specifications
• Develop and execute experimental test plans to characterize material properties
• Collaborate with engineering teams, technicians, and external technical partners
• Document experimental methods, analyze results, and present recommendations

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience working in metal casting technologies
• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors (up to 15%)
• Ability to lift up to 30 Ibs unassisted
• Standing/walking for long periods of time
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns

Nice to have

• Master's degree or PhD in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or equivalent engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience with SX or DS casting technologies using Ni-based superalloys
• Experience working on casting blades and vanes for industrial gas turbines or aerospace engines
• 3+ years of experience with metallographic characterization techniques and equipment, such as SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, hardness testers, mechanical property testing, and/or spectroscopy techniques
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Experience with technical review of material processes and a first-principles understanding of how process variables impact material performance
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Hands-on experience in a high-production manufacturing environment
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills

Before you apply

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from

About the company

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. The company is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars.