Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink)

Location: Bastrop, TX

Department: Materials Engineering - Starlink Materials

MATERIALS ENGINEER, POLYMERS (STARLINK) 

Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide. We are committed to offering access to high-speed internet to customers, and are looking for a Polymers Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve material selection and processing challenges as we ramp service. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used across various Starlink products 
• Support polymer selection and implementation by collaborating with design engineers to establish required design inputs for ensuring a cost effective and reliable mass consumer electronic 
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation products 
• Lead successful scale-up from prototype to production of relevant injection molded parts 
• Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for failure mechanisms 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in materials science or an engineering discipline 
• 1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers and/or adhesives 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering or polymer engineering  
• 5+ years of professional work experience (consumer products or electronics sectors are preferable) 
• Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing 
• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers and reinforcements and their impact on polymer processing 
• Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing 
• Broad understanding of failure modes in polymeric materials 
• Experience with developing new processes, improving efficiencies and successfully transferring to production 
• Development of new testing techniques and custom test jigs 
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces