SpaceX · 1 day ago
Program Director, Special Programs
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$185K/yr - $260K/yr
10+ years expSpaceX 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. The Program Director for Special Programs will be responsible for pioneering innovative space-based capabilities that redefine National Security and managing a team to deliver spacecraft hardware through volume production and flight.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Build and manage a team that delivers spacecraft hardware through volume production and flight
Drive multiple active programs simultaneously and ensure good architectural decisions are being made, execution timelines are appropriately met, and roadblocks are removed quickly to maintain rapid progress
Personally dive into the hottest problems with the team to ensure the most program threatening issues are getting the right amount of attention and action
Develop and maintain a technical roadmap that grows the engineering team’s core capabilities and progresses the portfolio of Special Programs missions
Coach and develop future leaders in running programs and leading teams
Establish a strong engineering culture where individuals are willing to take healthy risks, and the environment is one where the best idea gets presented and wins
Pull together strong resource plans that ensure program success and inform credible hiring needs
Develop accurate sales forecasts with a demonstrated track record of achieving revenue milestones on time; prepare comprehensive program and capital budgets to ensure optimal investment in technology and program development
Ensure production yields and on orbit performance are maintained at healthy levels
Serve as the primary contact for assigned US Government customers
Work with multidisciplinary teams across the company to ensure timely submittal of high-quality mission deliverables and on-time execution of mission milestones
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics
10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
5+ years of technical project management experience in an aerospace organization
Active Top-Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet critical deliverable and launch/test schedule timelines
Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed (up to 25% travel)
Preferred
Strong ability to partner with other engineering disciplines to achieve ambitious objectives
15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft engineering, test, and integration of payloads, ground systems, communications, and government systems, with in-depth knowledge of US Government spacecraft requirements
Demonstrated excellence in technical program management
Demonstrated success in negotiating, capturing, and executing large US Government contracts
Detail-oriented, diligent, and hard-working with excellent customer interface and leadership skills
Experience interacting with and presenting to the US Government
Knowledge of US Government testing standards and specifications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short & long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
2026-02-09
Business Standard India
2026-02-09
Company data provided by crunchbase