Materials Engineer I

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Materials Engineer I to our growing team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing space hardware for leading-edge communications satellites, we would like to hear from you.

In this position, you will develop into a key member of our product development team, assisting with the materials selection, qualification, failure root-cause analysis, standardization, vendor evaluations, and performance verification efforts. This position will require regular presentation of work and findings to peers, mentors, and Cesium leadership. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineering teams to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency enhancements.
• Characterize and define operating parameters for different material types.
• Execute test and qualification plan to assess material performance and survivability in flight conditions.
• Develop solder and flux processes for flight such as solder stencil rapid prototyping and solder and flux materials selection.
• Perform materials and process validation testing on items such as thermal interface materials, conformal coat materials, MLI blankets, dispensable materials, and other related projects to improve manufacturability.
• Review electrical component bill of materials and analyze for attributes against production management system.
• Perform mechanical testing of adhesives to surfaces to define process and process boundaries.
• Develop shop aid and tools using 3D printing and other common laboratory tools.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving production issues by applying engineering principles and problem-solving skills.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to bring innovative ideas to the team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university or institution. Other advanced technical degrees (e.g. Chemistry, Physics) will be considered.
• Working or academic research knowledge in at least one area of the following areas: metallurgy, ceramics, plastics, adhesives, coatings, or composites.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant prior experience in research or industry.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess and improve manufacturing processes.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, CAD software, and engineering principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, share ideas, and contribute to collective goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in process documentation and quality control activities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a desire to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science or a relevant field.
• Experience working with PCBA/electronics assemblies.
• Familiarity with SMT methods.
• Familiarity with electronic, electrical, electro-mechanical, electro-optical components
• Familiarity with reliability analyses for space mission hardware (prediction, derating, FMECA, WCA).
• Familiarity with shielding electronics against space radiation effects.
• Familiarity with screening and qualification techniques for materials, electronic components, and electronics assemblies
• Familiarity with high-frequency RF materials technologies (e.g. materials for EMI shielding or radomes).

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package featuring health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life and retirement plans. 

CesiumAstro, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.