IT Systems Administrator, Launch

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an IT Systems Administrator to support launch environment networks, compute, and applications. You will work on mission-critical systems, performing upgrades, monitoring services, and collaborating across teams to ensure safe, reliable launches.

The role requires hands-on Linux/Windows server experience, network deployment know-how, and scripting/automation skills. Ideal candidates will understand ITAR/NIST principles, be prepared for extended hours, and participate in

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on experience with Linux or Windows server administration.
• Proven experience in enterprise network administration and deployment.
• Ability to write scripts (Bash/PowerShell/Python) and use automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and augment IT infrastructure across the launch environment.
• Perform system upgrades and patches during off-peak windows.
• Monitor IT services and respond to incidents to maintain performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve deployment issues.
• Document IT systems, configurations, and procedures.
• Use automation to improve IT systems engineering and operations.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, ISO, NIST cybersecurity standards.

Skills

Linux administration

Windows server administration

Network administration

Scripting Bash/PowerShell/Python

Automation tools (Terraform/Ansible/Pu

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Puppet

SCCM

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

IT SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR, LAUNCH

SpaceX is looking for a highly skilled and knowledgeable IT Systems Administrator to support the networking, compute administration, and application support needs of our launch environment. This role will be pivotal to the enablement of safe and sustained launch cadence, directly supporting our goals of making humanity a multiplanetary species. Candidate must be comfortable working on mission-critical systems with a sense of urgency appropriate to the responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail and operational excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Augment and deploy new IT infrastructure, including networking, server, and desktop hardware directly supporting mission critical networks across the country.
• Perform periodic systems upgrades and patches in between critical operations, sometimes on weekends and evenings.
• Monitor IT services and respond aggressively to incidents to maintain systems performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to proactively identify and resolve potential technical issues with systems deployments.
• Author and maintain documentation for IT systems, from systems overview documents and design drawings to procedures.
• Leverage automation tools and contribute to IT systems engineering efforts.
• Ensure that systems are configured and maintained in compliance with industry and cybersecurity standards (e.g. ITAR, ISO, NIST).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 3+ years of experience in IT systems administration.
• Hands-on experience with Linux or Windows server administration.
• Experience with enterprise network administration and deployment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Working knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, NTP, PTP etc), firewalls administration and cybersecurity technologies.
• Proficiency in scripting (Bash/Powershell/Python) and automation frameworks (Terraform, Ansible, Puppet).
• Familiarity with Active Directory and multi-platform authentication/identification environments.
• Experience with virtualization platforms and tools.
• Understanding of Layer 1 configuration best practices and multiplexing technologies.
• Working knowledge, including the ability to setup, configure, upgrade, manage, and troubleshoot, Windows-based systems and services (i.e. SCCM, Active Directory).
• Exposure to real-time systems and industrial telemetry networks.
• Experience with configuration management, provisioning, infrastructure as code, and other DevOps concepts and tools.
• Excellent communications skills with the ability to communicate with internal/external customers, vendors, management etc. in both formal and informal situations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Willing to work extended hours or weekends as necessary.
• Willing to be on after-hours on-call rotation.
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs.
• Ability to work at heights.
• 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 [e-mail].