SpaceX
Aerospace & DefenseDirect Greenhouse career site

Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads)

Pay
$100,000 – $140,000 per year
Location
Vandenberg, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Mid-level
Experience
1+ year
Education
Bachelor's degree
Listed
30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • ITAR eligibility
  • security clearance
  • spacecraft integration
  • test procedure writing
  • clean room operations
  • hazardous systems handling

Also useful

  • gas and fluid testing
  • data acquisition setup

Stated benefits & perks

  • Medical

Responsibilities

  • Provide engineering support to the following efforts: Starlink satellite integration, and customer payload integration
  • Develop and execute procedures for the integration and checkout of Starlink satellites, commercial/government spacecraft integration, and ground support equipment part maintenance
  • Closely collaborate with engineering staff and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
  • Manage the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements reflected in work instructions

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies (past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies qualify)

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms; test operations with gases/fluids; data acquisition setup and field measurements
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail, an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, adherence to corporate policies and standards, a great attitude, and the ability to work with a team
  • Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Ability to work well in a team environment. Able to work well with a wide range of people across multiple organizations, including mission management, customers, and vendors
  • Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to pass background checks for Vandenberg Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral
  • Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.)
  • Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shift rotations are often necessary - flexibility is required

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.

About SpaceX

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.

Read the original posting

From SpaceX's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) role at SpaceX?

The Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) posting at SpaceX states compensation of $100,000 – $140,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on SpaceX's official career site.

Where is the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) job at SpaceX located?

This Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position at SpaceX is located in Vandenberg, CA (On-site). Always check SpaceX's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

What qualifications are required for Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) at SpaceX?

For the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) role, SpaceX highlights 1+ year of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with spacecraft integration, test procedure writing, clean room operations, hazardous systems handling. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position at SpaceX?

This listing links directly to SpaceX's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on SpaceX's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.