Joblaze summary

The Sous Chef at SpaceX is responsible for managing culinary operations across multiple outlets, focusing on high-quality food experiences for employees and guests. This role requires expertise in menu creation, cost control, and sourcing sustainable ingredients, along with strong leadership and communication skills. Ideal candidates have several years of culinary management experience and a creative approach to food that aligns with SpaceX's innovative culture. The position plays a key role in fostering a vibrant dining environment that supports the company's mission.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 25, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 25, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Starbase, TX.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,600).
Starts above 19% of 1387 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 186 companies).

Quick facts

Is the Sous Chef role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Hawthorne, CA, United States.
What's the salary range?: SpaceX lists $90,000–$125,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Sous Chef role.
Where is the role based?: SpaceX is hiring for this position in Hawthorne, CA, United States.
What seniority level is this role?: SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Sous Chef 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.

SOUS CHEF

The Sous Chef plays a vital role in the company, contributing directly to SpaceX’s success and historical milestones by overseeing teams in multiple outlets fueling the workforce overall and with a particular emphasis on the higher-end food experiences to the company’s guests and/or VIPs. This individual works with the chefs to conceptualize and oversee multiple outlets and services, ensure consistency across all offerings, and coordinates out-of-this-world employee engagement activities. This position requires a versatile set of restaurant industry skills, an imagination without bounds and a lot of “can-do” attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage cost controls and control expenditures
Create pricing schedules for all meals
Source high quality ingredients with a focus on local, sustainable, and organic items
Plan and create all menus with an emphasis on seasonal items and creative menu choices
Purchase and manage inventory
Enforce food quality
Hold staff meetings for food safety, quality issues, and innovations
Ensure safety of physical kitchen and café space
Cater company events as needed
Create a pleasant and fun environment for SpaceX employees to meet and share a meal
Build a structure to deliver in-house catering and support company and special events

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of sous chef or culinary management experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Degree in culinary arts
High volume production and catering experience
Proven ability to create innovative menus on a daily basis
Ability to perform under pressure
Excellent communication skills
Possess a creative spirit and ability to make the culinary experience part of the SpaceX culture

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to carry large, heavy items unassisted (up to 25lbs)
Must have the ability to stand for long periods – up to 8-12 hours a day
Able to perform frequent bending, stooping, and lifting of objects through entire shift
Must be able to work all shifts and available for extended hours, weekends and holiday(s) as needed
Must participate in internal leadership and development training

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$90,000.00 - $125,000.00

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.

Sous Chef

Similar positions