Program Director, Special Programs

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.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Join us in pioneering cutting‑edge, innovative space‑based capabilities that redefine National Security. Build revolutionary technologies to protect and advance our nation's most critical missions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and manage a team that delivers spacecraft hardware through volume production and flight
• Drive multiple active programs simultaneously and ensure good architectural decisions are being made, execution timelines are appropriately met, and roadblocks are removed quickly to maintain rapid progress
• Personally dive into the hottest problems with the team to ensure the most program threatening issues are getting the right amount of attention and action
• Develop and maintain a technical roadmap that grows the engineering team’s core capabilities and progresses the portfolio of Special Programs missions
• Coach and develop future leaders in running programs and leading teams
• Establish a strong engineering culture where individuals are willing to take healthy risks, and the environment is one where the best idea gets presented and wins
>Pull together strong resource plans that ensure program success and inform credible hiring needs
• Develop accurate sales forecasts with a demonstrated track record of achieving revenue milestones on time; prepare comprehensive program and capital budgets to ensure optimal investment in technology and program development
• Ensure production yields and on orbit performance are maintained at healthy levels
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned U.S. Government customers
• Work with multidisciplinary teams across the company to ensure timely submittal of high-quality mission deliverables and on-time execution of mission milestones

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
• 5+ years of technical project management experience in an aerospace organization
• Active Top-Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong ability to partner with other engineering disciplines to achieve ambitious objectives
• 15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft engineering, test, and integration of payloads, ground systems, communications, and government systems, with in-depth knowledge of U.S. Government spacecraft requirements
• Demonstrated excellence in technical program management
• Demonstrated success in negotiating, capturing, and executing large U.S. Government contracts.
• Detail-oriented, diligent, and hard-working with excellent customer interface and leadership skills
• Experience interacting with and presenting to the U.S. Government
• Knowledge of U.S. Government testing standards and specifications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet critical deliverable and launch/test schedule timelines
• Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed (up to 25% travel)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range: Program Director: $185,000.00 – $260,000.00 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To 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.

SpaceX 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.

Applicants 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