Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads)

spacex· Falcon Integration West
Apply Now ↗
📍 Vandenberg, CA

About this 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.

LAUNCH ENGINEER, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION (PAYLOADS)

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
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position at spacex?
The salary for this Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) role at spacex is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position at spacex located?
This Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) role at spacex is based in Vandenberg, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) at spacex belong to?
This Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position is part of the Falcon Integration West department at spacex. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position at spacex?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to spacex's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) job at spacex posted?
This Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) position at spacex was posted on Jul 8, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads)
spacex
Apply for this role ↗

You'll be redirected to spacex's official application page on Greenhouse.