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.

LEAD SENSORS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

Our sensors development team works to design, test, and manufacture high performance electronic sensors for the world's most advanced launch vehicles and spacecraft. The team is responsible for end-to-end development of application specific sensor products to support critical rocket and spacecraft operations, systems, and control loops including propulsion, guidance, navigation, control, and environmental systems. We are seeking experienced, innovative technical leaders to help build the world's next generation of space transports.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for leading a diverse team of engineers and technicians in the development of a wide variety of application specific sensors
• Manage project schedules, weekly task allocation, identification and removal of roadblocks, and status updates for sensor development projects
• Attend design reviews, provide technical feedback on designs, and challenge team members to innovate
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for the members of the team
• Work with leadership and various teams to develop architecture roadmaps which enable the execution of programmatic objectives for various launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Work closely with other avionics hardware development teams to ensure continuity of best practices and processes
• Work as a technical contributor on the team, with direct ownership of specific parts of projects

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science 
• 2+ years of experience with sensor and/or electronic hardware development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in physics or engineering discipline
• Experience mentoring interns or other engineers 
• Project management experience from design to production of one or more technical projects
• Demonstrated leadership of diverse, cross-functional teams
• Experience in a fast-paced test environment with flight hardware
• Experience with high reliability electro-mechanical products such as those found in automotive, medical or aerospace industries
• Experience in high pressure testing
• Proficiency with at least one of: mechanical design and analysis, electrical design and analysis, firmware development, sensor calibration and test experience and data analysis
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering, production and executive management teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines
• Must be willing to travel <20%

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
Lead Sensors Development Engineer/Lead: $130,000.00 - $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 & 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.    

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.