Role Overview & Mandate
Executive Summary
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 o
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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.
IT OPERATIONS ENGINEER
As an IT Operations Engineer at SpaceX, you will engineer and deliver technology and process solutions that directly support our mission of making humanity multi-planetary. In this role, you will lead the execution of complex cross-functional projects while identifying and driving sustained operational improvements across the IT organization. You will partner closely with IT teams, support functions, and stakeholders to turn ambiguous problem statements into executable plans, keep multi-team efforts on track, and build reusable tools and processes that streamline project management. This role requires a proactive ownership mindset, excellent communication skills, hands-on technical contribution (including AI-assisted tooling), and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Distill vague problem statements into clear requirements, priorities, and actionable plans in partnership with IT teams.
- Organize and lead meetings, presentations, and working sessions with project teams and stakeholders; keep all parties aligned on deliverables and expectations across multiple concurrent projects.
- Create and maintain auto-updating project management tools, schedules, performance metrics, risk registers, dashboards, and automated reports using AI-assisted software that integrates with existing platforms (Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, etc.).
- Deliver concise, data-driven executive summaries and in-person briefings covering project status, wins, risks/blockers, budget health, and opportunities.
- Identify recurring operational and process challenges that impact IT team efficiency; propose practical solutions, secure buy-in, implement improvements, and gather feedback to confirm effectiveness.
- Partner with peers, managers, and executives to provide analytical insight and strategic support, with particular emphasis on storytelling through data visualization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical discipline and 3+ years of professional experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams; OR 5+ years of professional experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams in lieu of a degree.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, high-energy approach to identifying and overcoming challenges.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts, manage stakeholders, drive process improvement, make decisions, and resolve conflict across multiple projects.
- Experience coordinating meetings and preparing clear presentations that incorporate input from diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Hands-on proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (Jira, Smartsheet, Confluence, Teams, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to build or automate project tools, dashboards, and reporting (experience leveraging AI coding tools is a strong plus).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Proficiency in data analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and data visualization.
- Familiarity with (or certifications in) PMP, Agile/Scrum, Lean, or Six Sigma.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to work extended hours or weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines.
- Willingness to travel (up to 10%, including to other SpaceX sites worldwide).
- Ability to pass DOD background check for launch site access.
- Ability to drive (active valid drivers' license).
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
