Materials Engineer, Additive Manufacturing

About this role

SpaceX seeks a Materials Engineer to develop and optimize laser powder bed fusion processes for nickel-based superalloys used in Raptor rocket engines. You'll own process development, material characterization, and component qualification while collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to advance additive manufacturing capabilities for extreme propulsion applications.

What you'll do

• Develop and qualify LPBF processes for nickel-based superalloys (Inconel 718, 625) in rocket engine components
• Optimize process parameters and build designs through characterization and testing
• Perform metallurgical analysis, fractography, and root cause investigations on failures
• Conduct mechanical and thermal property testing and characterization of additively manufactured materials
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams on specifications, drawings, and material requirements
• Support post-processing optimization including HIP, heat treatment, and surface finishing

What they're looking for

• Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process development and qualification
• Nickel-based superalloy metallurgy and characterization
• Mechanical testing and material property evaluation
• Fractography and metallographic analysis
• Post-processing techniques (HIP, heat treatment)
• CAD and technical drawing review
• Propulsion systems knowledge
• Project collaboration and technical communication

Likely interview questions

• Walk us through a specific LPBF process qualification project you led—what were the key parameters you optimized and how did you validate them?
• Describe your experience with post-processing of additively manufactured nickel superalloys. How do HIP and heat treatment affect final component properties?