Lead IT Systems Engineer, Launch

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Lead IT Systems Engineer based in Hawthorne, California. The ideal candidate will lead a team responsible for IT infrastructure supporting launch operations, requiring strong leadership in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have a STEM degree and relevant experience. The compensation for this role ranges from $145,000 to $195,000 per year, along with comprehensive benefits including stock options, medical coverage, and vacation time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 3+ years professional experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience in an IT administration or IT engineering role.
• 1+ years of professional experience leading technical teams and/or projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of IT professionals for launch operations.
• Collaborate to design effective IT solutions for the launch lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement to bolster IT systems reliability.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to team members.

Skills

Leadership

Technical documentation

Problem-solving

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline

3+ years professional experience in IT administration

Tools

Linux

Windows

Network infrastructure

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.

LEAD IT SYSTEMS ENGINEER, LAUNCH

As Lead IT Systems Engineer, you're responsible for ensuring critical systems used in support of SpaceX's launch operations are optimally tuned and ready to propel us towards our mission of becoming a multi‑planetary species. This role requires excellent leadership skills, hands‑on technical contribution, an action‑oriented disposition, flexibility, and the propensity to flourish in a fast‑paced and challenging environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a team of highly skilled IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure that directly supports SpaceX's launch operations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to distill requirements and design effective IT solutions that support the entire launch lifecycle from pre‑flight preparations to post‑launch analysis and recovery operations.
• Provide liaison support between SpaceX and the United States Space Force and NASA, participating in technical briefings, evaluating requirements and connecting appropriate resources to solve challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to bolster the reliability of IT systems and advance team efficiency—change management, performance metrics, monitoring, preventative maintenance, incident handling, customer request handling, etc.
• Oversee and participate in the day‑to‑day operation of IT systems, ensuring seamless functionality and reliability during critical launch windows.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to other members of the SpaceX team, fostering team cohesion, knowledge redundancy and professional growth.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline and 3+ years professional experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience in an IT administration or IT engineering role in lieu of a degree.
• 1+ years of professional experience leading technical teams and/or projects.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with server solutions (hardware and software) in Linux or Windows environments as well as enterprise‑grade network infrastructure including switches, routers and firewalls.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed technical documentation and operational runbooks.
• Experience working in a mission‑critical environment preferably within the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills including the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of IT professionals.
• Ability to independently and effectively manage projects in an extremely fast paced and constantly changing environment.
• Analytical mindset with excellent problem‑solving abilities and a proactive approach to recognizing and overcoming technical challenges.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work extended hours or weekends as necessary.
• Ability to provide 24x7 on‑call support in emergency situations.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Able to lift 25lbs unassisted.
• Must be comfortable working at heights up to 110 meters with appropriate safety equipment.
• Recurring travel, up to 20% including air travel and occasional extended time at sea, is required for operational and training purposes.
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: IT Systems Engineer/Lead: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00 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. 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 Affiative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].