Sr. Materials Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry
SpaceXBastrop, TXPosted 14 April 2026
Job Description
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. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, BLADES AND VANES FOUNDRY
SpaceX continues to revolutionize the launch industry by combining advanced technological developments with pragmatic and lean manufacturing. This is especially important for the future of rapid and high-volume Starship flight, where power generation is crucial. As a member of the Materials Engineering team, you will own solving complex materials challenges in a rapidly innovating environment. You will interact closely with foundry engineering and operations teams, and have direct impact on producing Ni-superalloy castings for power generation, ultimately ushering in the next era of revolutionary spaceflight.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Accelerate progress on development and production of SX (single crystal), DS (directionally solidified), and EQ (equiax) casted components for gas turbines
Develop, qualify and troubleshoot metal casting processes used in production
Execute failure analysis of casted components as a result of process fallout and/or in-service failures, working in tandem with design and process engineers to drive yield higher
Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and characterization techniques
Provide technical review and advising for design efforts as it relates to material alloy and form selection, tooling, and material and process specifications
Drive property development and qualification test plan design and execution and of castings and foundry processes
Responsible for coordinating with various engineering teams, supply chain, vendors, operations, technicians, and senior leadership on a consistent basis to stay aligned on product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost requirements
Drive improvements to design via feedback on manufacturability, performance, efficiency, and product life to optimize business needs
BASIC 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
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree or Ph.D. 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 enignes
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 for composition or phase
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology
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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant mus ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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