Lead IT Systems Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Lead IT Systems Engineer

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.

As Lead IT Systems Engineer, you're responsible for ensuring systems used in support of SpaceX's classified programs are optimally tuned and ready to execute on their designed mission sets. 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.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of highly skilled IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure that directly supports SpaceX's national security programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to distill requirements and design effective IT solutions that support various unique missions.
• Drive 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.
• Oversee and participate in the day-to-day operation of IT systems, ensuring seamless functionality and reliability.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to other members of the SpaceX team, fostering team cohesion, knowledge redundancy and professional growth.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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.
• 1+ years of professional experience leading technical teams and/or projects.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with server solutions (hardware and software) in Linux or Windows environments as well as enterprise-grade network infrastructure including switches, routers and firewalls.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed technical documentation and operational runbooks.
• Experience working in a mission-critical environment preferably within the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills including the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of IT professionals.
• Ability to independently and effectively manage projects in an extremely fast paced and constantly changing environment.
• Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to recognizing and overcoming technical challenges.

Additional Requirements:

• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI with Polygraph. 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 testing.
• Willing to work extended hours or weekends as necessary.
• Ability to provide 24x7 on-call support in emergency situations.
• Able to lift 25lbs unassisted.
• Recurring travel, up to 20%

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: Lead Systems Engineer: $135,000.00-$180,000.00/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.

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.