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 technical disciplines across SpaceX, such as vehicle engineering, structures, avionics, thermal, software, flight reliability, and launch and space operations to close the payload-to-platform interface and to verify the mission can be flown safely.

You will be the owner of the payload-to-platform interface: mechanical, electrical, data, and thermal, plus the static, dynamic, thermal, and electromagnetic environments for launch, on-orbit, and re-entry. You will write and maintain interface control documentation, allocate and verify requirements, run interface trades, and drive non-compliances to a technical disposition (redesign, waiver, or operational constraint). You will plan and execute integration and test, including mate/demate, interface checkout, and end-to-end mission timeline verification. The work is mission and interface engineering applied to an externally built space vehicle on a SpaceX host. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is hungry to do work that matters, and is a quick-learner.

• →Own the payload-to-platform ICD: 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 to co-manifested payloads; drive mitigations to closure
• →Support design reviews, test readiness, and flight readiness with evidence of interface compliance—not as a customer-facing facilitator, as the responsible engineer for the interface
• →Communicate interface status, open items, and technical decisions to payload providers and internal engineering teams

• 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

• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
• 1+ years of spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload integration / 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

• 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, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs
• 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
• Must be willing to travel (approximately 15%) 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

• 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.