Materials Engineer, Thermal Protection (Starship) Verified today

SpaceX · Cape Canaveral, FL · Mechanical · first seen 2026-07-29

Materials Engineer, Thermal Protection (Starship)

SpaceX is developing Starship to enable human life on Mars. This role in the thermal protection system R&D team focuses on developing and optimizing low-density alumina-silica refractory insulators. You will design, test and analyze materials for the next-generation Starship spacecraft, working closely with design and production engineers to establish aircraft-like operations on Starship.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute experiments, procedures and tests on developmental components.
Design and develop thermal protection hardware to optimize vehicle heatshield performance on material properties and cost reduction.
Operate ceramic and chemical lab tools and equipment.
Work with process engineers to develop scalable production solutions.
Collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and skilled technicians daily.
Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on common project goals.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
1+ years of experience in high-temperature ceramic or technical glass (academic projects, internships, and professional experience all qualify).

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
Experience with development of material systems from ideation to final product.
Experience working directly with system, design, and analysis engineers.
Familiarity with hypersonic, spaceflight, or re-entry operating environments, including material degradation mechanisms and failure modes.
Familiarity with TPS state-of-the-art and system-level design.
Hands-on experience with TPS materials, technologies and manufacturing.
Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles.
Experience writing test plans and procedures.
Experience with CAD software and large CAD models.
Experience with data acquisition setup and field measurements.
Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work in high-paced, challenging environments with changing priorities.
Ability to work well in a team and communicate clearly with a wide range of people.
Mental fitness for high-concentration, high-stress work requiring prolonged concentration under possible extended hours.

Additional Requirements

Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
Occasional travel may be required.
Willingness to work outdoors.
50-hour work weeks are typical; schedule varies depending on site operational needs. Flexibility required.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State per ITAR regulations.