Forward Deployed Engineer, Mission Systems (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $100,000–$115,000 / yr
Posted: today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k

This role $108k

$89k most similar roles pay here $205k

This role pays less than 95% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$193,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $108k versus about $164k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Forward Deployed Engineer, Mission Systems (Starshield)

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As a Forward Deployed Engineer in Mission Systems at SpaceX, you will join the Mission Management team as a senior-level engineer to tackle complex technical challenges from initial requirements through operational deployment. You’ll collaborate closely with mission managers and cross-functional teams such as software, flight reliability, and payload integration to ensure successful mission completion. Your daily tasks include developing system specifications, creating interface control documentation, and designing ground segment architecture while serving as the primary customer liaison during meetings, tests, and reviews. Ideal candidates should have a background in engineering or science with experience in satellite command and control, operational planning, data processing, and secure implementation techniques. Familiarity with USG intelligence processes, genAI integration, and machine learning is preferred, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure on multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

Python C++ Kubernetes Docker AWS CI/CD genAI integration machine learning PostgreSQL USG intelligence processes Spacecraft mission design ground segment architecture system design process improvement

What you'll do

Serve as customer interface to develop operations plans and design missions.
Ensure contract deliverables are completed on-time and translate requirements into development objectives.
Own ground segment architecture design for mission systems.
Support all phases of the program from initial proposal through on-orbit commissioning.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure end-to-end mission success.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science discipline.
1+ years of software or electrical engineering experience with hands-on technical projects.
Familiarity with USG intelligence processes and systems integration.
Experience integrating genAI and traditional machine learning techniques.
Proven ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and test experience required.
Strong innovation skills in process improvement and system design.

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