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. MANAGER, APPLIED COMPUTING (STARSHIELD)

As a Senior Manager in AI Integration you will own the initiative focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance SpaceX's internal systems, processes, and workflows for Starshield and Special Programs. This role is critical for accelerating the output of existing teams and programs by integrating AI solutions that optimize efficiency, automate complex tasks, and drive innovation in a fast-paced environment. You will serve as a key technical leader, collaborating across departments to identify AI opportunities, develop scalable integrations, and ensure end-to-end success in boosting productivity for mission-critical operations.

An ideal candidate has a strong technical background in AI/ML development and integration, with proven leadership experience across program lifecycles. We are looking for managers who enjoy solving complex problems, can work effectively in a high-paced dynamic environment, and are passionate about advancing the space industry through process improvement and system design.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Key technical leader in all phases of AI integration from initial opportunity identification through successful deployment, testing, optimization, and ongoing maintenance.
• Ensure AI deliverables are completed on-time and exceed internal stakeholder expectations; distill team and program needs into actionable AI development criteria, objectives, and validation plans.
• Serve as the primary interface at meetings and reviews to develop AI integration requirements, test plans, operational procedures, design solutions, mitigate risks, and verify system performance.
• Work with all internal stakeholders to drive program acceleration; collaborate with subsystem representatives across teams, pushing boundaries to consider all necessary trades and ensure end-to-end efficiency gains.
• Lead and integrate AI trades for various internal tools, such as project management platforms, data pipelines, and collaboration systems; analyze a wide variety of solutions to meet productivity needs and support the development of AI-enhanced operational concepts.
• Support all phases of AI initiatives from prototyping through full-scale rollout, including educating teams on AI methodologies and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Mentor and manage a team of engineers, promoting a positive, "can-do" attitude and delivering reliable results across multiple parallel priorities.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to deeply understand SpaceX processes and innovate solutions in which AI could improve efficiency. Take direct feedback and turn it into improved outcomes.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, or engineering
• 8+ years of experience in the technology, aerospace, or space industry
• 5+ years of technical project management and system-level engineering experience
• 2+ years of experience managing technical teams

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of aerospace or high-tech industry experience
• Previous experience working with AI product design, development, integration, and/or test
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver expeditious results across multiple parallel priorities
• Previous experience with AI integrations in tools like Jira, or GitHub
• Strong penchant for innovation in process improvement and AI system design
• Positive, "can-do" attitude, self-starter, and ability to work in a high-pace dynamic environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:    

Sr. Manager, Software Engineering: $210,000.00- $270,000.00/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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.