Lead IT Systems Engineer, Launch

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $145,000–$195,000 / yr
Posted: today

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $179k

This role $170k

$134k most similar roles pay here $229k

This role pays less than 58% of similar roles. Most pay $143,248–$214,900 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $170k versus about $179k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 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 · Lead IT Systems Engineer, Launch

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As Lead IT Systems Engineer at SpaceX, you will lead a team of IT professionals to implement and maintain mission-critical systems that support the company’s launch operations. Your responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to design effective IT solutions for all phases of launches, providing liaison support between SpaceX and government agencies like NASA, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring seamless system functionality during critical windows. You will work in a fast-paced environment requiring strong leadership skills, technical expertise in server solutions and enterprise-grade network infrastructure, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly. Experience in aerospace or defense sectors is preferred, along with a readiness for extended hours, travel, and on-call support.

Skills

Linux Windows Network Infrastructure Switches Routers Firewalls Technical Documentation CI/CD Aerospace Industry Problem Solving Leadership Communication Skills Project Management Mentorship

What you'll do

Lead implementation and maintenance of IT infrastructure for SpaceX’s launch operations.
Design and oversee IT solutions supporting the entire launch lifecycle from pre-flight to post-launch.
Serve as liaison between SpaceX, US Space Force, NASA, providing technical support and resource connection.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives for IT systems reliability and team efficiency.
Oversee day-to-day operation of critical IT systems during launch windows to ensure seamless functionality.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or 6+ years of IT administration/engineering experience.
At least 1 year of leadership experience managing technical teams/projects.
Experience with server solutions and enterprise-grade network infrastructure.
Ability to create and maintain detailed technical documentation and runbooks.
Strong communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts clearly.
Proven ability to manage projects in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Leadership skills to inspire and motivate diverse IT professional teams.