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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER, LAUNCH

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support development of tool and techniques for range and launch operations to reduce processing time, costs and opportunities for error
• Lead interdepartmental coordination with external entities to ensure all regulatory requirements are met to successfully launch an orbital class launch vehicle  
• Validate and verify range requirements for launching from a federal range
• Provide program management on contract agreements with government agencies and commercial contractors for range support services
• Implement the safety policies by managing the day-to-day interactions required for flight hardware processing flows from an external safety organization perspective
• Find solutions that enable SpaceX to achieve launch – through spectrum, airspace, GPS and otherwise with multiple competing public and private entities
• Advise on best practices and strategy to eliminate conflicts entirely with partners and drive to conclusion – through hardware upgrades, policy changes and direct coordination
• Own and have responsibility over all aspects of SpaceX launches that requires coordination with external partners

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience with aerospace systems or operations engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Professional experience working directly with various U.S. government agencies, including but not limited to:
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • United States Space Force
  • United States Navy
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Local county government
• Professional experience working with Range Commanders Council (RCC), Universal Documentation System (UDS) and Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) operations
• Professional experience with system integration or system design requirement gathering and testing (past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, marine assemblies qualify)
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Ability to work well in a team environment and ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
• Having a strong capability for patience and strong level of emotional intelligence, empathy to deal with difficult situations and conversations
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work at elevated heights and/or tight spaces
• Must be willing to travel, potentially for extended periods of time
• Must be available to work extended hours, nights and weekends when required by mission milestones
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg AND Cape Canaveral

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Operations Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Operations Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.

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.