Mission Integration Engineer (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mission Integration Engineer (STARSHIELD) in Hawthorne, CA to lead engineering activities from proposal through flight and on-orbit activation. You will interface with customers, translate requirements, and drive trades among launch vehicles, spacecraft, and sensors to meet mission objectives.

The role requires a strong technical background in space vehicle design and verification, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining rigorous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in product design, development, manufacturing, integration, and/or test.
• Active Top Secret clearance and ability to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical activities in all phases of development from proposal through testing, flight, on-orbit commissioning, demonstrations, and mission execution.
• Ensure contract deliverables are completed on time and per customer expectations; translate mission requirements into actionable development criteria, objectives, and verification plans.
• Serve as the customer interface at meetings and reviews to develop interface requirements, test plans, operations procedures, and system risk assessments; verify spacecraft flightworthiness.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across teams to drive program success; consider all necessary trades for end-to-end mission success.
• Support all phases of the program from development and initial proposal through successful test, flight, and on-orbit commissioning, including educating the customer on designs and methodologies.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

System design

Self-starter

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Overview

Location: Hawthorne, CA.

SpaceX pursues a future where humanity explores the stars. The Starshield program leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts, with initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

MISSION INTEGRATION ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

As a member of the Mission Management team, you will serve as a core point of contact for customers from early capabilities studies through successful launch and on-orbit activation. You will also support new business proposals from initial requirements negotiation through final handoff and validation. You will lead and integrate system trades of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and sensors, analyze a variety of solutions to meet mission needs, and support the development of operational concepts and interfaces at the mission, segment, system, and sub-system levels. You will be given latitude to conceive and test engineering approaches to meet technical and programmatic objectives.

An ideal candidate has a strong technical background in space vehicle design, integration, and verification across the program lifecycle. We are looking for engineers who solve complex problems, work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and are passionate about advancing the space industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical activities in all phases of development from proposal through testing, flight, on-orbit commissioning, demonstrations, and mission execution.
• Ensure contract deliverables are completed on time and per customer expectations; translate mission requirements into actionable development criteria, objectives, and verification plans.
• Serve as the customer interface at meetings and reviews to develop interface requirements, test plans, operations procedures, and system risk assessments; verify spacecraft flightworthiness.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across teams to drive program success; consider all necessary trades for end-to-end mission success.
• Support all phases of the program from development and initial proposal through successful test, flight, and on-orbit commissioning, including educating the customer on designs and methodologies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with product design, development, manufacturing, integration, and/or test (internships and collegiate activities accepted).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of technical project management experience with US government, NASA, or commercial spacecraft entities.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver reliable results across multiple priorities.
• Experience with spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and/or test.
• Proactive, self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, accountable, and professional; strong focus on process improvement and system design.

Additional Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment; clearance process should be initiated promptly upon accepting offer.
• Must pass DoD-level background checks for entry into government facilities.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $100,000.00 – $117,500.00
• Level 2: $115,000.00 – $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary are determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of SpaceX’s total rewards, which may include stock or long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Other benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, and related perks.

Those with an active clearance may receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, upon briefing into a classified program.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected status.

For accessibility support or to request reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].