Payroll Manager

Latent AI; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Access to Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Payroll Manager in Hawthorne, CA to ensure accurate and timely payroll operations for its growing workforce. The role involves overseeing SOX compliance, leading audits, and driving process improvements within the payroll department. Candidates should have at least 6 years of payroll experience and a solid understanding of payroll regulations. Attractive compensation includes a salary range of $135,000 - $185,000 per year, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for bonuses and stock purchase options.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in payroll.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, and compliance obligations.

Responsibilities

• Support SOX compliance for all US payroll.
• Lead internal and external audits related to payroll.
• Identify and drive process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain documentation of payroll processes.
• Assist with payroll processing for all US employees.
• Support annual payroll compliance reporting for the US.

Skills

Payroll expertise

Experience with SOX compliance

Process improvement

Knowledge of payroll regulations

Experience with UKG and Workday

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

UKG (Ultimate Software)

Workday

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.

Payroll Manager

The payroll manager is a key member of the finance team and plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations for our rapidly growing workforce. This position combines hands‑on payroll expertise with strategic process improvement, SOX compliance, and audit management in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Support SOX requirements for all US payroll, including control documentation, testing, monitoring, and remediation
• Lead internal and external audits related to payroll, serving as the primary point of contact
• Identify and drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and internal control enhancements
• Develop and maintain documentation of current payroll processes and procedures for both US and Global entities
• Support payroll‑related projects, including system implementations, integrations, and process transformations
• Assist with end‑to‑end payroll processing for all US employees on a weekly and biweekly basis, including exempt, non‑exempt, and equity compensation
• Support annual payroll compliance reporting for the US, including the preparation, review, and audit of W‑2s
• Ensure all monthly close payroll deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6+ years of professional experience in payroll

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience working in finance organizations of fast‑moving entrepreneurial companies
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, and compliance obligations
• Hands‑on experience with UKG (Ultimate Software) and Workday
• Familiarity with US GAAP and the accounting treatment of payroll, equity compensation, and related items
• Experience supporting international payroll operations
• Demonstrated expertise in SOX compliance and internal control frameworks

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• This position is based in Hawthorne, CA, and requires being onsite—remote/hybrid will not be considered

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: Payroll Manager: $135,000.00 - $185,000.00 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 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.