Role Overview
SpaceX is hiring a entry-level Process Development Engineer. This is a full-time role in Hawthorne. Part of SpaceX's Backend hiring, posted 2 days ago. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
Salary Context
Salary is not disclosed in this posting. Market median for Junior-level Backend roles is $150k-$190k (based on 10 comparable listings). Many employers share specifics during the interview process or after an initial screen.
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Job description
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.
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - BUILD RELIABILITY
The Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing and improving business processes and systems that enable SpaceX to design, build, launch, and reuse the most advanced rockets in the world. This engineer seeks to eliminate inefficiencies and constantly questions the status quo while improving data integrity and product reliability.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve business processes and policies needed for nonconforming hardware management, configuration management, manufacturing and assembly, product traceability, rocket reusability and maintenance, and other critical business/production systems.
- Develop business use cases and software requirements for improvements to our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
- Execute software tasks, potentially including writing scripts, front and back end development, and relational database querying.
- Own ongoing support and improvement of developed software including technical debt, operational improvement, and new business process or logic implementation.
- Create AI prompts, workflows, and/or agents that execute or supplement our internal processes and applications
- Act as subject matter expert in multiple SpaceX processes and systems, enabling complex data gathering, troubleshooting, and problem solving.
- Develop standardized metrics for the Production and Quality organizations.
- Develop, review, and approve procedures ensuring completeness, accuracy, regulatory and customer compliance, and quality objectives.
- Develop and execute training and communication plans during major process changes
- Collaborate across disciplines including Engineering, Production, Test, Launch, Mission Operations, ERP, Supply Chain, Mission Management, Customer Contracts, and Management to ensure efficiency and consistency across the organization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field
- 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience in a Quality Engineering or Industrial Engineering role
- Experience supporting production of complex electro-mechanical systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up
- Knowledge of lean and quality tools such as Process Mapping, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and various problem solving approaches
- Knowledge of Statistical Analysis Tools such as Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Regression Analysis, and Minitab (or similar)
- Project Management experience, particularly related to creating or overhauling cross-functional business processes in a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of database structures and SQL
- Experience with VBA, Python, .NET, Flask, Javascript, C#, RESTful API development
- Experience with machine learning and other technical data science topics
- Experience with version control, testing, build, and deployment of software systems
- Experience building AI prompts/agents/workflows and using AI code assistants
- Experience with AS 9100, ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 13485, or similar Quality Management System
- Dedicated to adopting a Lean approach to quality without compromising safety or reliability
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Must be willing to travel – up to 10%
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Process Development Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Process Development Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
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, 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 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:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
About SpaceX
SpaceX
spacex.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Process Development Engineer position at SpaceX?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to SpaceX. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Where is the Process Development Engineer position at SpaceX located?
This position is based in Hawthorne. SpaceX has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.
What does a Process Development Engineer at SpaceX earn?
SpaceX has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Process Development Engineer role at SpaceX posted?
This role was posted on July 20, 2026 (2 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
Is the Process Development Engineer role at SpaceX entry-level?
Yes. This is an entry-level position. Strong candidates typically have 0-2 years of relevant work experience, internships, or significant project work. Read the full description for any specific qualification requirements SpaceX has listed.
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