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Mission Integration Engineer, Special Programs Verified today

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA · Production · first seen 2026-09-10
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Mission Integration Engineer, Special Programs

As a member of our Mission Management team, you will own the integration of customer payloads onto the SpaceX payload platform from requirements definition through integrated test, flight, and on-orbit operations. You will work closely with vehicle engineering, structures, avionics, thermal, software, flight reliability, and launch and space operations to close the payload-to-platform interface and verify the mission can be flown safely.

Your Responsibilities

  • Own the payload-to-platform Interface Control Document: define, baseline, and configuration-control mechanical, electrical, data, and thermal interfaces
  • Allocate customer and vehicle requirements to the interface; maintain traceability through analysis, test, and inspection
  • Evaluate payload design against platform constraints and environments (static, dynamic, thermal, electromagnetic) for launch, on-orbit, and re-entry
  • Lead interface trades (mass, volume, keep-out, loads, power, thermal, EMI/EMC, timeline) and document the technical basis
  • Disposition interface non-compliances with engineering: waiver, redesign, or operational constraint, including work-around plans where required
  • Define and support integrated test: interface checkout, EGSE, mate/demate, environmental test correlation, and end-to-end mission timeline
  • Build and maintain the integrated mission CONOPs (on-orbit operations) with payload, vehicle, and operations teams
  • Identify technical risk at the payload-platform boundary, including Do No Harm to the vehicle and co-manifested payloads; drive mitigations to closure
  • Support design reviews, test readiness, and flight readiness with evidence of interface compliance as the responsible engineer
  • Communicate interface status, open items, and technical decisions to payload providers and internal engineering teams

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret SCI clearance
  • Experience applying systems engineering methods (requirements, interfaces, verification, or integration and test)
  • Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
  • 1 or more years of spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload integration and systems engineering experience
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Hands-on experience with ICD development, requirements verification, or integrated test
  • Familiarity with launch and on-orbit environments (coupled loads, shock, vibe, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC)
  • Familiarity with USG processes and systems
  • Ability to close technical trades across multiple engineering organizations under schedule pressure
  • Ability to quickly adapt and change course in a fast-paced environment

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, you are encouraged to initiate the application process upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role.
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Must be willing to travel approximately 15 percent to other SpaceX locations and payload integration sites, as necessary.
  • Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support test, integration, or critical mission timelines.

Compensation

Level 1: 110,000 to 130,000 base salary annually. Level 2: 125,000 to 160,000 base salary annually. Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Employees with an active clearance receive a 10 percent differential, up to an additional 20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will receive 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 discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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 U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.