CMF Designer - Color, Material, and Finish (Starlink)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

CMF DESIGNER

As a Color, Material, and Finish Designer on the Starlink team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the look, feel, and quality of next-generation consumer electronics and hardware that connect the world. You’ll contribute to the full development and execution of innovative materials, colors, and finishes, bringing deep expertise to elevate product aesthetics, durability, and user experience while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-volume manufacturing. 

You’ll lead CMF innovation, select and implement the highest-quality materials and processes, and collaborate closely with design, engineering, and operations teams as well as external suppliers to deliver production-ready solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze, refine, and approve colors, materials, and finishes across active projects to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and brand alignment
• Curate and maintain a robust internal library of cutting-edge, inspirational materials and finishes, proactively sourcing innovative options to fuel Starlink’s design evolution
• Ideate, visualize, and develop compelling CMF design proposals that push creative and technical boundaries
• Craft impactful digital and physical CMF presentations that articulate a bold, forward-looking vision for the Starlink product ecosystem
• Partner with cross-functional teams (design, engineering, and manufacturing) to strategize and successfully implement production-ready CMF solutions
• Protect and execute design intent through precise color tuning, material mastering, and oversight across all product commodities
• Guide CMF execution from early prototypes through full-scale production, ensuring seamless translation from concept to hardware
• Build and nurture strong supplier and vendor relationships, continuously identifying new resources to enable groundbreaking material innovation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a design discipline (i.e. industrial, transportation, product, architecture) and 1+ years professional CMF experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Deep technical expertise in mass production, manufacturing processes, and a wide range of materials, with proven ability to deliver high-quality CMF designs under tight deadlines
• Exceptional color acuity, including the ability to pass the Munsell Hue Color Test with a perfect score
• Strong proficiency in 2D and 3D visualization tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, KeyShot, and similar software
• Outstanding visual, verbal, and presentation skills, able to clearly communicate complex CMF concepts and influence stakeholders
• Skilled at building and maintaining effective cross-functional relationships with design, engineering, manufacturing, and external partners
• Highly self-motivated, adaptable, and organized, with the ability to successfully manage multiple parallel projects in a fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong visual portfolio is mandatory for consideration
• This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Austin, TX area
• Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours, weekends and offsite when needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.