Materials R&D Technician at SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA

Summary: SpaceX is a pioneering company focused on developing technologies for human exploration of Mars. They are seeking a Materials R&D Technician who will support daily lab operations, focusing on material and process developments, and ensuring efficient lab operations while maintaining safety and organization. Responsibilities: - Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation - Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review - Manage lab backlog and ensure requests are performed relative to program priorities - Maintain safe and efficient operations by enforcing proper workflow, safety, cleanliness, organization and inventory control of lab consumables - Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests - Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace - Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions - Operate mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.) - Perform mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites - Use calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry - Familiarize with relevant ASTM standards Required Qualifications: - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 1+ years of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment - Hands-on lab experience is required - Highly skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment - Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed - Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment - Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted - Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position Preferred Qualifications: - Knowledge of safe work practices in an environment with furnaces, environmental chambers, saws, solvents, acids/bases, etc - Experience with painting applications, equipment, and lab best practices - Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals - Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team - Experience setting up and running tests and experiments - Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions - Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems - Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group - Ability to read and understand test specifications - Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow - Creative approach to problem solving, with willingness to learn and try new things - Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools Required Skills: Materials testing experience, Laboratory equipment operation, Mechanical testing Important Skills: Basic materials science, Computer skills Benefits: Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, or long-term cash awards, Potential discretionary bonuses, Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, Short and long-term disability insurance, Life insurance, Paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays per year