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.
MANAGER, APPLIED COMPUTING
As a Manager in Applied Computing, dedicated to enterprise AI, you will own the initiative focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance SpaceX's internal systems, processes, and workflows for different programs. This role is critical for accelerating the output of existing teams and programs by integrating AI solutions that optimize efficiency, automate complex tasks, and drive innovation in a fast-paced environment. You will serve as a key technical leader, collaborating across departments to identify AI opportunities, develop scalable integrations, and ensure end-to-end success in boosting productivity for mission-critical operations.
An ideal candidate has a strong technical background in AI/ML development and integration, with proven leadership experience across program lifecycles. We are looking for managers who enjoy solving complex problems, can work effectively in a high-paced dynamic environment, and are passionate about advancing the space industry through process improvement and system design.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Key technical leader in all phases of AI integration from initial opportunity identification through successful deployment, testing, optimization, and ongoing maintenance.
- Ensure AI deliverables are completed on-time and exceed internal stakeholder expectations; distill team and program needs into actionable AI development criteria, objectives, and validation plans.
- Serve as the primary interface at meetings and reviews to develop AI integration requirements, test plans, operational procedures, design solutions, mitigate risks, and verify system performance.
- Work with all internal stakeholders to drive program acceleration; collaborate with subsystem representatives across teams, pushing boundaries to consider all necessary trades and ensure end-to-end efficiency gains.
- Lead and integrate AI trades for various internal tools, such as project management platforms, data pipelines, and collaboration systems; analyze a wide variety of solutions to meet productivity needs and support the development of AI-enhanced operational concepts.
- Support all phases of AI initiatives from prototyping through full-scale rollout, including educating teams on AI methodologies and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Mentor and manage a team of engineers, promoting a positive, "can-do" attitude and delivering reliable results across multiple parallel priorities.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams to deeply understand SpaceX processes and innovate solutions in which AI could improve efficiency. Take direct feedback and turn it into improved outcomes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, or sciences.
- 4+ years of experience in the technology, aerospace, or space industry.
- 2+ years of technical project management or system-level engineering experience.
- 1+ years of experience managing technical teams.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years of aerospace or high-tech industry experience.
- Previous experience working with AI product design, development, integration, and/or test.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver expeditious results across multiple parallel priorities.
- Previous experience with AI integrations in enterprise settings.
- Strong penchant for innovation in process improvement and AI system design.
- Positive, "can-do" attitude, self-starter, and ability to work in a high-pace dynamic environment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
- Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time to visit different sites.
- This role requires you to be onsite. Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered.
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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, or sciences
- 4+ years of experience in the technology, aerospace, or space industry
- 2+ years of technical project management or system-level engineering experience
- 1+ years of experience managing technical teams
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
