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Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads)

Join SpaceX as a Launch Engineer to support spacecraft integration and contribute to the future of human life on Mars.

Location
Vandenberg, CA
Compensation
$100k–$140k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 4 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 19 hours ago

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

The Launch Engineer for Spacecraft Integration at SpaceX plays a crucial role in supporting the integration of Starlink satellites and various customer payloads, ensuring that all systems are checked and operational. This position requires a solid foundation in engineering, with at least one year of experience in multi-disciplinary system assemblies, particularly in aerospace or related fields. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented team players who thrive in fast-paced environments and possess strong communication skills. The role is well-suited for individuals looking to contribute to groundbreaking space exploration efforts.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze July 10, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page November 6, 2026.
  • Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,000).
  • Starts above 26% of 1434 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 184 companies).

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $100,000–$140,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) role.
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 Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Payloads) 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.

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

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:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

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