Mission Integration Engineer, C3 - Top Secret Clearance

MISSION INTEGRATION ENGINEER – TOP SECRET CLEARANCE

As a member of our Mission Management team, you will help tackle new technical problems from initial proposal development and customer requirements verification, through rapid prototyping, integrated test, and operational deployment. You will also work closely with technical disciplines across SpaceX, such as vehicle engineering, software, flight reliability, space operations, information technology, and network engineering to ensure safe and successful mission completion.

You will be empowered to develop next-generation space command, control, and communications architectures. You will communicate complex technical systems to high-value stakeholders and customers; and be empowered to work alongside engineering teams to identify, own, and drive technical trades critical to implementation. You will contribute directly to the performance and execution of special programs missions with an emphasis on both space and ground command, control, and communications (C3) segments that drive, manage, and provide user insight into mission execution. Based on customer requirements and SpaceX’s system capabilities, you’ll develop system specifications and interface control documentation. This work covers a number of technical disciplines: spacecraft command and control, RF communications, operational planning, data processing, network engineering, software engineering, and product security. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is hungry to do work that matters, and is a quick-learner.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the customer interface at meetings, tests, and reviews to develop operations plans, design C3 infrastructure, and articulate and drive critical C3 trades
• Ensure contract deliverables are completed on-time and distill customer requirements into actionable development objectives
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to drive development
• Collaborate with subsystem representative across organizations and technical teams to consider all necessary trades and ensure end-to-end test execution and mission success
• Support all phases of the program from development, initial proposal, through successful test, flight, and on-orbit mission execution, including educating customers on our design and methodologies
• Own the interface between flight and ground segment network architecture design, working to consider flight/ground software interfaces, communications architecture, network engineering, product security, and data transport
• Develop subject matter expertise and clearly communicate technical concepts to a wide audience

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
• 1+ years of experience working in the aerospace industry
• 1+ years of software engineering or electrical engineering experience, working with hardware or software technical projects
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Previous experience with spacecraft, aircraft, or launch vehicle engineering or operations 
• Familiarity with USG processes and systems
• Previous experience with spacecraft, aircraft, launch vehicle ground segment networks
• Previous experience with RF communications architectures
• 1+ years of technical project management or systems engineering experience
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal sills
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills
• Capacity to balance conflicting opinions and manage expectations between multiple teams and customers
• Able to quickly adapt and change course in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities
• Strong penchant for innovation in process improvement and system design

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol test
• Must be willing to travel (approximately 10%) to other SpaceX locations, as necessary
• Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Mission Integration Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year.
Mission Integration Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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.