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Technicians

Operations Engineer (Production)

SpaceX logoSpaceX$100,000–$140,000/yrHawthorne, CAPosted 3mo ago

This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.

About the role

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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER (PRODUCTION)

The operations engineering team supports Falcon and Dragon production programs through strategic planning, optimization of production processes, and alignment of resources to tasks. We are seeking engineers to lead cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams that optimize production, testing, launch, and recovery operations in a fast-paced environment. We are seeking emerging leaders who can join teams and apply principles of operations engineering, operations research, industrial engineering, and data science to complex optimization and simulation problems. We are searching for qualified engineers who can conduct complex problem analysis and steer strategic decisions within production.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop tools to analyze delivery, capacity, cost problems for production, supply chain, and operations to guide decisions
  • Work as part of a team to develop and manage production strategy to mitigate future production risks and seize emerging opportunities to improve quality, output, safety, and cost
  • Develop process flow models to analyze production system behavior and synchronize output with other elements of the company
  • Identify operational challenges within the organization, determine root cause, and develop appropriate solutions
  • Develop and track key performance measures, and identify decision points and actions to optimize production to meet demand
  • Actively develop system and process improvements within and between production elements
  • Collaborate with cross-departmental partners in supply chain, engineering, operations, and accounting groups to synchronize efforts
  • Capture best practices of production systems, and manage organizational knowledge and lessons-learned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in using Excel, SQL, or Python/R for analysis or modeling dynamic systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Proficiency with statistics, data analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and visualization
  • Experience with CAD software, Power BI, and discrete event modeling tools
  • Experience with inventory, production, and capacity planning (including MRP/ERP systems)
  • Experience as an industrial, operations, process or manufacturing engineer in a developmental manufacturing environment
  • Experience with lean, six sigma, and related production principles
  • Experience or education in management science and engineering, operations engineering, operations research, or industrial engineering
  • Experience as a contributor to multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress environments
  • Excellent written and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones
  • Must be able to travel - up to 10% work week travel may be required to other sites
  • Must be able to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
  • This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

Pay Range

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00 Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 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.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com .

Copied from the listing SpaceX published, verified 29 Oct 2026.

The application

Your details and CV, then 13 questions.

Have readyCVLinkedIn (optional)Cover letter (optional)
  1. 1.
    Please specifyShort answer · optional
  2. 2.
    GPA (Undergraduate)Pick one (13 options)
  3. 3.
    GPA (Graduate)Pick one (13 options)
  4. 4.
    GPA (Doctorate)Pick one (13 options)
  5. 5.
    SAT ScorePick one (156 options)
  6. 6.
    ACT ScorePick one (19 options)
  7. 7.
    GRE ScorePick one (156 options)
  8. 8.
    Active Security Clearance(s)Pick any (8 options)
  9. 9.
    SpaceX & SpaceXAI Employment HistoryPick one
  10. 10.
    Can you perform all of the essential functions of this role with or without reasonable accommodations?Yes or no
  11. 11.
    Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?Pick one
  12. 12.
    Citizenship StatusPick one
  13. 13.
    If (f) Other, please explain:Short answer · optional

Taken from the application form SpaceX runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.

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