Manage cost improvement and unit economics for SpaceX hardware while supporting cross-functional decision-making.
Posted by employer 2 months ago
First seen on Joblaze 2 months ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, work arrangement.
Joblaze summary
The Business Operations Manager at SpaceX focuses on enhancing cost efficiency and unit economics for hardware programs, engaging in data analysis to inform strategic decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills, particularly in Excel and programming, alongside a background in engineering or quantitative fields. Ideal candidates are experienced professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and can influence cross-functional teams. The position is integral to SpaceX's mission, supporting both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic goals.
Quick facts
- How much experience is required?
- At least 4 years of relevant experience for this Business Operations Manager role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Excel, Looker, Power BI, Python, SQL, Tableau.
- Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
- Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Business Operations Manager role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
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.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, Starlink is leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy the world's most advanced broadband internet system and largest satellite constellation to provide fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide, connect humanity, and fund Mars colonization.
This role sits within SpaceX Supply Chain Business Operations with a primary focus on Cost Improvement and unit economics for SpaceX hardware. SpaceX Business Operations combines traditional planning and analysis with broader business decision-making and strategy, directly supporting SpaceX’s leadership. Business Operations is embedded in daily operations, supporting both near-term execution and long-term planning. Team members are expected to analyze data and provide recommendations and to lead cross-functional decision-making and implementation of the recommendations. SpaceX Business Operations is lean and dynamic, operating with a fluid structure that favors high agency. We expect high performers to expand their scope across the program’s most critical bottlenecks.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own Cost Improvement and unit economics for specific SpaceX hardware programs, including establishing and tracking should-cost and cost targets against plan
- Analyze key performance indicators, especially cost per unit, revenue, cost of sales, operating expenses, and capital expenditures; includes developing complex cost models and decision-making tools
- Establish cost targets and guide Supply Chain, Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing decisions toward attainment of these targets (i.e., cost vs. performance tradeoffs)
- Track, report, and proactively manage profit improvement (e.g., design proposals, supply chain initiatives, manufacturing process changes) on existing and future products
- Drive cost optimization in product development for existing and future products with a focus on establishment and attainment of cost and revenue targets
- Evaluate major CapEx decisions, expansion plans, and business cases on automation, manufacturing scope, insource vs. outsource choices, and location
- Identify initiatives for improvement of SpaceX’s operational and cost trajectory, including developing, tracking, and executing business initiatives with SpaceX’s leadership
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, data science, physics, or other quantitative field
- 4+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, product management, operations, FP&A, consulting, banking, or entrepreneurship
- 2+ years of experience in Excel or programming
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Evidence of exceptional ability, especially within an ambiguous environment
- Quantitative dual degree in engineering field and economics or business field and/or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated success driving tangible impact/influencing within a broader organization
- Extreme sense of urgency and ownership; bias toward action and automation
- Ability to read and interpret income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
- Strong proficiency in SQL and Python; ability to handle large datasets independently
- Excellent analytical modeling skills (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Looker)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with senior business leaders
ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS:
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Willingness to travel to customer sites, other SpaceX locations, and events as needed
Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.