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.

SR. GROUND SEGMENT OPERATIONS ENGINEER

The SpaceX Ground Segment team is responsible for solving a wide array of communications challenges. We deploy, operate, and support our ever-growing worldwide launch pad network of communications antennas, optical tracking systems, and Starlink telemetry, tracking, and control antennas.

As an Automation and Operations Engineer, you are responsible for the collection of all critical telemetry required to verify orbital parameters, observe payload deploys, communicate with astronauts, and meet space flight regulations. You will be in direct control of the ground systems throughout the mission, starting with ground integration through launch and on-orbit operations. As a Ground Segment operator, you will be a core part of live, on-console operations in SpaceX mission control, where you will be problem-solving in real-time and making data-driven decisions to ensure success.

While not in the control room, you will maintain the team’s operational foundation by authoring procedures, writing and testing automation, and performing mission planning for all ground communications infrastructure supporting Falcon and Dragon missions. Your daily efforts to optimize ground station coverage will put you in direct contact with customers as well as vehicle, ground support, mission design teams. You will collaborate with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, and electrical design engineers to understand and evaluate how the ground segment assets should be operated and then execute on that vision. Working as a cross-disciplinary expert, you will ensure that the software and automation running the full system is safe and reliable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform real-time ground segment operations according to timeline, procedures and flight rules
• Ground Segment vehicle owner for Dragon operations and all related anomaly resolution, procedure and automation updates
• Support Falcon, and Dragon operations as a member of the flight control team
• Interface with external partners (private and government) to schedule/test/operate ground-to-space and ground-to-ground communication systems
• Own procedures, process improvements, configuration files, and scripting necessary for mission success
• Drive and support automation improvements for flawless execution of simultaneous missions and an increasing manifest with a small team of operators
• Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure operational cadence and ease of use requirements are considered in their design
• Coordinate worldwide telemetry services for day of launch/prelaunch activities
• Coordinate operator and asset schedules

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, IT/network operations/security, or science discipline
• 5+ years of operations experience with spacecraft, ground stations, IT/networks, or other communication systems
• 5+ years of project or industry experience with RF, controls, spacecraft, IT/networks, and/or communications systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with government organizations (USAF, NASA, FAA, FCC, NTIA, etc.)
• Experience working with and organizing technical data with strong attention to detail
• Experience interfacing with vehicle-side and ground-side teams to drive technical solutions that meet interdisciplinary criteria
• Experience developing link budgets and other engineering calculations related to system specification and design
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• LEO, MEO, and/or lunar orbit ground station operations and engineering experience
• Manipulation and use of tracking and orbit determination files, formats, and tools
• Experience working on technical teams in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, math, engineering, and physics
• Creative approach to problem solving, engineering, and design with exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience with Python
• Familiarity with Linux based operating systems
• Experience with automating complex systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Must be willing to travel as required to domestic and international ground station sites
• Must be willing to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:             

Pay Range:

Senior Ground Segment Engineer/Senior: $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.