IT OPERATIONS ENGINEER

As an IT Operations Engineer at SpaceX, you will engineer and deliver technology and process solutions that directly support our mission of making humanity multi-planetary. In this role, you will lead the execution of complex cross-functional projects while identifying and driving sustained operational improvements across the IT organization. You will partner closely with IT teams, support functions, and stakeholders to turn ambiguous problem statements into executable plans, keep multi-team efforts on track, and build reusable tools and processes that streamline project management. This role requires a proactive ownership mindset, excellent communication skills, hands-on technical contribution (including AI-assisted tooling), and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Distill vague problem statements into clear requirements, priorities, and actionable plans in partnership with IT teams.
• Organize and lead meetings, presentations, and working sessions with project teams and stakeholders; keep all parties aligned on deliverables and expectations across multiple concurrent projects.
• Create and maintain auto-updating project management tools, schedules, performance metrics, risk registers, dashboards, and automated reports using AI-assisted software that integrates with existing platforms (Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, etc.).
• Deliver concise, data-driven executive summaries and in-person briefings covering project status, wins, risks/blockers, budget health, and opportunities.
• Identify recurring operational and process challenges that impact IT team efficiency; propose practical solutions, secure buy-in, implement improvements, and gather feedback to confirm effectiveness.
• Partner with peers, managers, and executives to provide analytical insight and strategic support, with particular emphasis on storytelling through data visualization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical discipline and 3+ years of professional experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams; OR 5+ years of professional experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams in lieu of a degree.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, high-energy approach to identifying and overcoming challenges.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts, manage stakeholders, drive process improvement, make decisions, and resolve conflict across multiple projects.
• Experience coordinating meetings and preparing clear presentations that incorporate input from diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Hands-on proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (Jira, Smartsheet, Confluence, Teams, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to build or automate project tools, dashboards, and reporting (experience leveraging AI coding tools is a strong plus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in data analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and data visualization.
• Familiarity with (or certifications in) PMP, Agile/Scrum, Lean, or Six Sigma.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work extended hours or weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines.
• Willingness to travel (up to 10%, including to other SpaceX sites worldwide).
• Ability to pass DOD background check for launch site access.
• Ability to drive (active valid drivers' license).