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Sr. Materials Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SpaceX· Mesh Optical
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Bastrop, TXfull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Senior materials engineer responsible for the entire life-cycle of hardware enabling on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads for SpaceX’s Starmind satellite program, focusing on microelectronics packaging, materials development, and integration with electrical, mechanical, thermal, and software teams.

Responsibilities

  • Rapidly develop high-reliability microelectronics packages, cooling systems, and radiator hardware for satellites.
  • Own the full lifecycle of materials specification, validation, and process development— including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
  • Drive system trades, requirements capture, materials selection, prototyping, manufacturing, failure analysis.
  • Build supply chains for build-up layers, plating chemicals, coatings, thermal interface materials, and other materials for compute and satellite manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials.
  • Address materials and process challenges in advanced packaging while spearheading the development of next-generation TIM materials to improve packaging performance.
  • Specify and implement in-process metrology tools for quality control. Design thermal test vehicles and test setups to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
  • Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware.
  • Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.
  • Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.
  • Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders across all departments to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing

Skills

Required:materials specificationdevice modelingcharacterizationmetrologythermal management
Nice to have:supply chain development

Benefits

  • (not explicitly listed in the provided description)
Last updated Jul 29, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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