Senior Materials Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Metallurgical Engineer to join our team as a Supply Chain Expert. This role will support our Starship program and require a combination of proven leadership and technical capabilities.

This position involves leading new cutting-edge material development at mills for proprietary materials, enforcing strict requirements at mills worldwide to ensure aerospace-grade materials for the Starship program, and acting as the metallurgical point of contact for all purchased metallic raw materials and semi-finished products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead new material development at mills for proprietary materials.
• Enforce strict requirements at mills worldwide to ensure aerospace-grade materials for the Starship program.
• Act as the metallurgical point of contact for all purchased metallic raw materials and semi-finished products.
• Lead technical quality issue and non-conformance resolution, functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers.
• Work with procurement to source exceptional suppliers and qualify them appropriately for quality and the ability to meet aggressive takt times.
• Partner with suppliers to develop the capability to produce unique products.
• Develop and approve process controls to control critical characteristics.
• Conduct design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable at early stages.
• Own the new product introduction (NPI) process at suppliers for new parts, drawing changes, or when re-sourcing existing parts to a new supplier.
• Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risks to quality and delivery, and potential defect opportunities.
• Review and assess supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Provide feedback on manufacturing methods and technologies.
• Manage supplier improvement plans.
• Improve quality performance of suppliers by conducting workshops at supplier locations, providing technical assistance in developing a quality system, or other technical support as required.
• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction, and courage.
• Drive for results and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or materials discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with manufacturing, materials, or process engineering.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master's degree in metallurgical engineering or materials science & engineering.
• 2+ years of experience with TIG, MIG, and resistance welding of stainless steel.
• Familiarity with metallic mill products in the alloys and product forms used on launch vehicles and engines, primarily stainless steels.
• Experience with coil products, tubings, castings, and/or forgings.
• Broad familiarity with ancillary processes associated with the production of metallic parts, e.g., NDE, heat treatment, etc.
• Technical capabilities including knowledge of 2D blueprints and model drawings.
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes, Production Part Approval Process, Advanced Product Quality Planning, First Article Inspection Reports, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods like design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.
• Experience with Quality Systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP).
• Disciplined approach to problem solving - 8D.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and report writing.
• Knowledge of lean concepts.
• Experience with sharing information and influencing others; strong written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise cross functionally, internally and externally, make presentations to team members and management.
• Experience with MRP or ERP systems.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work extended hours, some nights and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones.
• Must be able to travel - up to 50% work week travel may be required, including international travel.
• This position is based in Brownsville, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered.

ITAR Requirements:

• 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.

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 us.