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ICON Technology
United States, Texas, Austin
220 East Saint Elmo Road (Show on map)
Jul 01, 2025
Now Hiring Materials Engineer II, Off-Planet Systems ICON is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Strategic R&D team, with a focus on developing 3D-printable materials using lunar and Martian regolith. This role will drive the research, development, and testing of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) materials that replace traditional concrete with regolith-based composites to enable sustainable construction beyond Earth. You will lead materials formulation and testing, develop standards and quality protocols for off-planet construction, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to create viable, high-performance solutions for extraterrestrial habitats. This position is based in Austin, TX and reports to the Senior Director of Off-Planet Systems. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the formulation, testing, and optimization of 3D-printable, regolith-based composites for lunar and Martian construction applications. Develop and implement testing programs to evaluate physical, chemical, and mechanical performance of regolith-derived materials under simulated planetary conditions. Build a materials development roadmap aligned with ICON's off-planet construction goals, including standards for testing, application, and quality control. Characterize regolith simulants and their performance in binder systems (e.g., sulfur, geopolymer, sintering, polymer, or other ISRU-compatible methods). Support design and validation of planetary regolith handling, preparation, and delivery systems in coordination with robotics and mechanical teams. Collaborate with internal engineers, mission partners, and academic researchers to guide materials innovation based on evolving mission requirements. Document findings in technical reports, material specification sheets, and peer-reviewed studies. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers, interns, and lab technicians. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Geomaterials, Ceramics, or a related field with a focus on non-traditional or extreme-environment materials. 5+ years of experience in material development, with hands-on work in composites, ceramics, geopolymers, or cementitious systems. Strong knowledge of mechanical behavior, rheology, and curing mechanisms of particulate or mineral-based materials. Experience with ASTM, ACI, or related materials testing standards and protocols. Ability to design and run experiments for structural and environmental validation of new materials. PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Experience developing materials for ISRU, planetary regolith simulants, or space analog environments. Familiarity with geopolymer chemistry, sintered regolith, sulfur-based concrete, or ceramic composites. Understanding of environmental constraints in lunar or Martian construction, such as vacuum, temperature swings, and radiation. Hands-on experience with extrusion-based or additive manufacturing technologies. Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams with robotics, planetary science, and aerospace engineering functions. ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended). Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit candidates through this application. ICON does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency submissions for candidates and will not pay fees to any third-party agency without a prior agreement with ICON. As part of our compliance with these obligations, the Company invites you to voluntarily self-identify as set forth below. Provision of such information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your employment or subject you to any adverse treatment. Any and all information provided will be considered confidential, will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file, and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders and regulations, including those that require the information to be summarized and reported to the federal government for civil rights enforcement purposes. Internet Applicant Employment Notices