Sr. Thermal Protection Engineer

Who you are

You have a Bachelor's degree in materials science or a related field, and you bring significant experience in developing and optimizing thermal protection systems. Your expertise in low density alumina-silica refractory insulators will be crucial as you design and analyze materials for spacecraft applications. You thrive in collaborative environments, working closely with design and production engineers to improve production design processes. You are adept at managing multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on project goals, ensuring that your contributions align with the overarching mission of SpaceX.

Desirable

Experience with ceramic and chemical lab tools and equipment is a plus, as is familiarity with scalable production solutions. You understand the complexities of thermal protection hardware and are eager to innovate in this critical area of aerospace engineering.

What you'll do

In this role, you will develop and execute experiments and procedures on developmental components, focusing on the design and development of thermal protection hardware. Your work will directly impact the optimization of the vehicle's heatshield, balancing material properties with cost reduction strategies. You will operate and utilize various lab tools and collaborate daily with engineering staff from other departments, ensuring that your designs meet the rigorous demands of spacecraft operations. You will also engage with process engineers to develop scalable production solutions, contributing to the establishment of aircraft-like operations on the Starship. Your ability to track multiple priorities will be essential as you navigate the challenges of this innovative environment.

What we offer

At SpaceX, you will be part of a team dedicated to making humanity an interplanetary species. We offer a dynamic work environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on the future of space exploration. You will have opportunities for professional growth and development, working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every requirement, as we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds in our team.