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. MISSION MANAGER, AVIATION (STARSHIELD) 

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a member of our Mission Management team, you will be core member of our Starshield Aviation team, serve as main interlocker for US Government customers, support new Starshield aviation business proposals from initial requirements verification through certification, integration, activation, and ongoing missions support. You’ll work directly with a small team of subject matter experts from diverse fields to enable cutting-edge aviation products and services for US Government customers. Our ideal candidate has a passion for advancing the US Government aviation mission, is a self-starter, and is hungry to do work that matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all program aspects of Starshield Aviation from contract award through verification, certification, integration, test, and flight operations to ensure all contract requirements are met
• Support aviation proposal efforts to align new efforts with long-term strategic vision and engineering objectives, and to ensure contract requirements are executable
• Be the primary point of contact for your customer, to resolve issues, negotiate requirements, coordinate technical and contractual changes, and maintain positive relationships
• Plan and lead customer reviews through cross-company coordination, developing and briefing technical content on complex designs, trade studies, risks, and issues
• Collaborate with product engineering groups to understand product readiness and how changes impact requirements, aircraft integration and operation risks, and CONOPs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline
• 8+ years of experience in US Government operations, project management, or contracts
• 8+ years of experience in commercial or US Government aviation acquisition or program management

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working in aerospace or aviation portfolios in the U.S. Department of Defense
• Experience with aircraft design, development, integration, and/or test experience
• Experience interpreting and negotiating technical requirements
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Experience with management or program leadership experience
• Demonstrated success working in an environment with competing priorities and aggressive schedules
• Ability to define and manage a project independently
• Knowledge of radiofrequency or computer networking principles and engineering
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to tailor communications to the audience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred. Must be willing to pursue a clearance if not already cleared. Note that 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
• Must pass DoD level background checks for entry into various government facilities
• Willingness to travel (up to 25%)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:        Pay range:    Sr. Mission Manager: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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 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.