Sr. Manager, Applied Computing (Starshield)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

12h • $210,000 - $270,000

About The Position

As a Senior Manager in AI Integration you will own the initiative focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance SpaceX's internal systems, processes, and workflows for Starshield and Special 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, or engineering
• 8+ years of experience in the technology, aerospace, or space industry
• 5+ years of technical project management and system-level engineering experience
• 2+ years of experience managing technical teams

Nice To Haves

• 10+ 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 tools like Jira, or GitHub
• 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

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.

Benefits

• You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.
• You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager