Operations Engineer (Space Planning)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in California seeks an Operations Engineer for space planning. This role involves optimizing resources, managing multiple projects, and coordinating space decisions across campuses. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in engineering and experience in operations improvement. Strong skills in Excel, SQL, and CAD software are essential. Benefits include competitive pay, stock options, and comprehensive medical coverage, with a required on-site presence.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of operations/process improvement experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing, supply chain, or production environment.
• Proficiency in data visualization and cost-benefit analysis.

Responsibilities

• Optimize resources, schedules, and risk under uncertainty.
• Maintain accurate space planning information across campuses.
• Communicate effectively with different levels of the organization.

Skills

Operations/process improvement

Data analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture

Tools

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Python/R

CAD software

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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER (SPACE PLANNING)

The Corporate Operations Engineering team supports overall business operations through strategic planning, optimization of processes, and alignment of resources to tasks. In this role, you will work with all programs on the Hawthorne campus to develop and maintain accurate space allocations. You will be challenged to be up to date with space needs and timelines in order to help your stakeholders succeed. We are looking for an engineer with a history of managing multiple projects and providing creative solutions that will optimize operational efficiency. This position is based out of the Hawthorne campus and will require an active on‑site presence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct operations engineering at a strategic level by optimizing resources, schedules, and risk under uncertainty
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and execute to tight timelines while effectively communicating to and influencing stakeholders
• Maintain accurate information and coordinate space planning decisions within and between campuses using a BIM or mapping software such as ArcGIS, Revit or similar
• Engage leadership and Operations Engineering teams across groups to understand requirements, synchronize efforts and provide input into space strategy and utilization across the Hawthorne campus
• Own and operate a plan of record for changes and trades across campus, including rationale, owners, and timeline of events
• Create and operationalize wide‑spread usage of standard templates to facilitate space requests, increasing consistency and quality of rationale for requests
• Identify operational challenges within the organization, lead problem formulation, determine root cause, and implement creative and effective solutions
• Communicate effectively with different levels of the organization, including everything from layout reviews with engineers to presentations with upper leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, architecture, or engineering discipline
• 1+ years of operations/process improvement experience (internships may qualify)
• Experience with Excel, SQL, Power BI, or Python/R
• Experience with CAD software

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing, supply chain, or production environment
• Proficiency with statistics, data analysis, data visualization, and cost‑benefit analysis
• Experience with CAD software, ArcGIS, Archibus, Power BI, and JIRA
• Familiarity with inventory, production, and capacity planning (including MRP/ERP systems)
• Experience with lean, six sigma, and other related production principles
• Experience or education in management science and engineering, operations engineering, operations research, or industrial engineering
• Experience as a contributor to multidisciplinary and cross‑functional teams
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent written and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel, including occasional short‑notice domestic travel to other SpaceX locations
• This role is located in Hawthorne, CA and requires you to be onsite. Hybrid or remote work will not be considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Operations Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Operations Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 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 and 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 affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].