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.

Manager, Spacecraft Integration – Dragon

SpaceX is currently seeking a talented individual for a manager position to lead the Operations Technicians on the Dragon Spacecraft Integration team. You will own the overall execution of the technician team supporting pre-launch and post-launch hardware integration, electrical checkouts, and fluid operations for the Dragon 2 spacecraft fleet. This work scope includes hypergol propellant operations (load and offload), trunk and unpressurized payload processing, capsule/trunk integrated operations and checkouts, F9/Dragon integrated operations, and pad operations. As Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the technician team’s execution with the goal of safe aircraft like operations on Dragon, and you will be held accountable for driving process improvements mission over mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and mentor a diverse team of highly skilled technicians focused on Dragon Operations processing across the Dragon spacecraft fleet providing top notch execution
• Plan, schedule, and execute integration, test, and fluids operations in the Operations Lane across the Dragon fleet to support the manifest
• Manage team of technicians to maintain processing facilities, mechanical GSE, fluids GSE, and avionics GSE; coordinate and execute preventative maintenance plans for all ground support equipment (GSE) needed for Dragon Operations
• Take ownership of spacecraft processing facility; work with supporting teams as needed to address repairs/upgrades in a timely manner
• Work directly with engineers to plan, resource, and execute integration and test operations while balancing multiple competing priorities; coordinate supporting resources when needed (NDE, Quality, etc.)
• Develop metrics and tracking systems in order to forecast future resource needs to meet manifest requirements
• Develop the strategic vision for the organization; cultivate an attitude of continuous improvement, and encourage positive change
• Work with recruiting team to hire skilled technicians to fill open roles on the team in a timely manner
• Ensure new technicians are trained effectively to support flight hardware and critical GSE operations
• Assist in managing inventory of maintenance consumables and critical spares for all GSE equipment
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve processes, equipment, and work environment to make Dragon operations efficient and safe
• Monitor labor hours, and implement improvement plans mission over mission
• Own vehicle schedule execution, and autonomously balance resource support across the team effectively to ensure all vehicles meet milestones to support manifest; independently resolve resource shortages with colleagues should the need exist
• Promote and maintain a positive work environment and culture of extreme ownership
• Ensure the team is following all necessary regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, USAF range, etc. standards and regulations
• Drive a strong focus on safety to achieve excellent safety performance with the team
• Communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally on both an individual and organizational level, including regular briefs to senior leadership
• Ensure team readiness and own overall execution of Dragon mission specific processing activities including unpressurized payload integration and closeout crew operations
• Evaluate opportunities to expand local processing work scope where business ROI makes sense

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of professional experience in manufacturing, production, automotive, or aerospace environment
• 2+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects or people

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in a technical field
• 5+ years in aerospace/aviation (air frame, launch vehicle, or military)
• 5+ years’ experience as a technician
• 3+ years of personnel management experience in a technical industry, including experience hiring and conducting performance reviews
• Prior experience with spacecraft integration or launch vehicle integration
• Experience with operations in clean rooms, vehicle lifting, large mechanical tool usage, and mechanical or composite part integration
• Ability to rapidly change priorities and responsibilities in a high-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people with a positive attitude
• Ability to be diplomatic with a variety of individuals across the organizational infrastructure
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook)
• Knowledge of fluid, structural, thermal, and avionics systems
• Demonstrated ability to perform well in a high-pressure environment and results-oriented culture 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to travel, potentially for extended periods of time
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (35 lbs. unassisted); flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters
• Must be able to work around hazardous propellants (NTO, MMH) and high-pressure systems
• Must be available to work extended hours, nights and weekends as required
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:                  

Pay range:      

Manager: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year         

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.