{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"76a611e32f3cc0e7e307b6b3","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/76a611e32f3cc0e7e307b6b3","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/76a611e32f3cc0e7e307b6b3","title":"Lead IT Systems Engineer, Launch","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.\n\nLEAD IT SYSTEMS ENGINEER, LAUNCH\nAs Lead IT Systems Engineer, you’re responsible for ensuring critical systems used in support of SpaceX’s launch operations are optimally tuned and ready to propel us towards our mission of becoming a multi-planetary species. This role requires excellent leadership skills, hands‑on technical contribution, an action‑oriented disposition, flexibility, and the propensity to flourish in a fast‑paced and challenging environment.\n\nRESPONSIBILITIES\n\nLead a team of highly skilled IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure that directly supports SpaceX’s launch operations.\n\nCollaborate with cross‑functional teams to distill requirements and design effective IT solutions that support the entire launch lifecycle from pre‑flight preparations to post‑launch analysis and recovery operations.\n\nProvide liaison support between SpaceX and the United States Space Force and NASA, participating in technical briefings, evaluating requirements and connecting appropriate resources to solve challenges.\n\nDrive continuous improvement initiatives to bolster the reliability of IT systems and advance team efficiency – change management, performance metrics, monitoring, preventative maintenance, incident handling, customer request handling, etc.\n\nOversee and participate in the day‑to‑day operation of IT systems, ensuring seamless functionality and reliability during critical launch windows.\n\nProvide coaching and mentorship to other members of the SpaceX team, fostering team cohesion, knowledge redundancy and professional growth.\n\nBASIC QUALIFICATIONS\n\nBachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3+ years professional experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience in an IT administration or IT engineering role in lieu of a degree.\n\n1+ years of professional experience leading technical teams and/or projects.\n\nPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE\n\nExperience working with server solutions (hardware and software) in Linux or Windows environments as well as enterprise‑grade network infrastructure including switches, routers and firewalls.\n\nAbility to create and maintain detailed technical documentation and operational runbooks.\n\nExperience working in a mission‑critical environment preferably within the aerospace or defense sectors.\n\nExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.\n\nStrong leadership skills including the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of IT professionals.\n\nAbility to independently and effectively manage projects in an extremely fast paced and constantly changing environment.\n\nAnalytical mindset with excellent problem‑solving abilities and a proactive approach to recognizing and overcoming technical challenges.\n\nADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS\n\nWilling to work extended hours or weekends as necessary.\n\nAbility to provide 24×7 on‑call support in emergency situations.\n\nValid driver’s license.\n\nMust be comfortable working at heights up to 110 meters with appropriate safety equipment.\n\nRecurring travel, up to 20% including air travel and occasional extended time at sea, is required for operational and training purposes.\n\nAbility to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.\n\nTo 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.\n\nSpaceX 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.\n\nApplicants 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.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Space Exploration Technologies","rawCompany":"space exploration technologies","city":"McGregor","state":"TX","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-06-17T04:22:23.958Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1299.08","title":"Computer Systems Engineers/Architects","slug":"computer-systems-engineers-architects"},{"code":"15-1244.00","title":"Network and Computer Systems Administrators","slug":"network-and-computer-systems-administrators"},{"code":"15-1299.09","title":"Information Technology Project Managers","slug":"information-technology-project-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"541512","title":"Computer Systems Design Services","slug":"computer-systems-design-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Lead IT Systems Engineer, Launch","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.\n\nLEAD IT SYSTEMS ENGINEER, LAUNCH\nAs Lead IT Systems Engineer, you’re responsible for ensuring critical systems used in support of SpaceX’s launch operations are optimally tuned and ready to propel us towards our mission of becoming a multi-planetary species. This role requires excellent leadership skills, hands‑on technical contribution, an action‑oriented disposition, flexibility, and the propensity to flourish in a fast‑paced and challenging environment.\n\nRESPONSIBILITIES\n\nLead a team of highly skilled IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure that directly supports SpaceX’s launch operations.\n\nCollaborate with cross‑functional teams to distill requirements and design effective IT solutions that support the entire launch lifecycle from pre‑flight preparations to post‑launch analysis and recovery operations.\n\nProvide liaison support between SpaceX and the United States Space Force and NASA, participating in technical briefings, evaluating requirements and connecting appropriate resources to solve challenges.\n\nDrive continuous improvement initiatives to bolster the reliability of IT systems and advance team efficiency – change management, performance metrics, monitoring, preventative maintenance, incident handling, customer request handling, etc.\n\nOversee and participate in the day‑to‑day operation of IT systems, ensuring seamless functionality and reliability during critical launch windows.\n\nProvide coaching and mentorship to other members of the SpaceX team, fostering team cohesion, knowledge redundancy and professional growth.\n\nBASIC QUALIFICATIONS\n\nBachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3+ years professional experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience in an IT administration or IT engineering role in lieu of a degree.\n\n1+ years of professional experience leading technical teams and/or projects.\n\nPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE\n\nExperience working with server solutions (hardware and software) in Linux or Windows environments as well as enterprise‑grade network infrastructure including switches, routers and firewalls.\n\nAbility to create and maintain detailed technical documentation and operational runbooks.\n\nExperience working in a mission‑critical environment preferably within the aerospace or defense sectors.\n\nExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.\n\nStrong leadership skills including the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of IT professionals.\n\nAbility to independently and effectively manage projects in an extremely fast paced and constantly changing environment.\n\nAnalytical mindset with excellent problem‑solving abilities and a proactive approach to recognizing and overcoming technical challenges.\n\nADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS\n\nWilling to work extended hours or weekends as necessary.\n\nAbility to provide 24×7 on‑call support in emergency situations.\n\nValid driver’s license.\n\nMust be comfortable working at heights up to 110 meters with appropriate safety equipment.\n\nRecurring travel, up to 20% including air travel and occasional extended time at sea, is required for operational and training purposes.\n\nAbility to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.\n\nTo 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.\n\nSpaceX 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.\n\nApplicants 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.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-06-17T04:22:23.958Z","dateModified":"2026-06-17T04:22:23.958Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Space Exploration Technologies","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"McGregor","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"76a611e32f3cc0e7e307b6b3"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/76a611e32f3cc0e7e307b6b3"}}