Business Operations Manager

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Business Operations Manager within the Supply Chain Business Operations to own cost improvement and unit economics for SpaceX hardware programs. You will develop cost models, target costs, and guide cross-functional teams toward profit improvements.

The role combines planning and analysis with strategic decision-making, requiring strong data skills, experience in cost optimization, and the ability to work with senior leadership to drive SpaceX's cost trajectory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, data science, physics, or other quantitative field.
• 4+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, product management, operations, FP&A, consulting, banking, or entrepreneurship.
• 2+ years of experience in Excel or programming.

Responsibilities

• Own Cost Improvement and unit economics for specific SpaceX hardware programs, including establishing and tracking should-cost and cost targets against plan.
• Analyze KPIs such as cost per unit, revenue, cost of sales, operating expenses, and capex; develop cost models and decision tools.
• Guide cross-functional teams toward attainment of cost targets (cost vs. performance tradeoffs).
• Track, report and manage profit improvement initiatives on existing and future products.
• Drive cost optimization in product development focusing on cost and revenue targets.
• Evaluate major CapEx decisions, expansion plans, outsourcing vs insourcing, and location choices.
• Identify initiatives for improvement of SpaceX’s operational and cost trajectory with leadership.

Skills

SQL

Python

Excel

Cost analysis

Data modeling

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science/quantitative field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Looker

Job description

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.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, Starlink is leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy the world's most advanced broadband internet system and largest satellite constellation to provide fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide, connect humanity, and fund Mars colonization.

This role sits within SpaceX Supply Chain Business Operations with a primary focus on Cost Improvement and unit economics for SpaceX hardware. SpaceX Business Operations combines traditional planning and analysis with broader business decision-making and strategy, directly supporting SpaceX’s leadership. Business Operations is embedded in daily operations, supporting both near-term execution and long-term planning. Team members are expected to analyze data and provide recommendations and to lead cross-functional decision-making and implementation of the recommendations. SpaceX Business Operations is lean and dynamic, operating with a fluid structure that favors high agency. We expect high performers to expand their scope across the program’s most critical bottlenecks.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own Cost Improvement and unit economics for specific SpaceX hardware programs, including establishing and tracking should-cost and cost targets against plan
• Analyze key performance indicators, especially cost per unit, revenue, cost of sales, operating expenses, and capital expenditures; includes developing complex cost models and decision-making tools
• Establish cost targets and guide Supply Chain, Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing decisions toward attainment of these targets (i.e., cost vs. performance tradeoffs)
• Track, report, and proactively manage profit improvement (e.g., design proposals, supply chain initiatives, manufacturing process changes) on existing and future products
• Drive cost optimization in product development for existing and future products with a focus on establishment and attainment of cost and revenue targets
• Evaluate major CapEx decisions, expansion plans, and business cases on automation, manufacturing scope, insource vs. outsource choices, and location
• Identify initiatives for improvement of SpaceX’s operational and cost trajectory, including developing, tracking, and executing business initiatives with SpaceX’s leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, data science, physics, or other quantitative field
• 4+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, product management, operations, FP&A, consulting, banking, or entrepreneurship
• 2+ years of experience in Excel or programming

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Evidence of exceptional ability, especially within an ambiguous environment
• Quantitative dual degree in engineering field and economics or business field and/or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated success driving tangible impact/influencing within a broader organization
• Extreme sense of urgency and ownership; bias toward action and automation
• Ability to read and interpret income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
• Strong proficiency in SQL and Python; ability to handle large datasets independently
• Excellent analytical modeling skills (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Looker)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with senior business leaders

ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, other SpaceX locations, and events as needed
• 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 Affinitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .