Role Overview
SpaceX is hiring a Senior Manager, User Products (Starshield Missions). This is a contract role in Hawthorne. The posted range is $165k to $230k. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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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.
SR. MANAGER, USER PRODUCTS (STARSHIELD MISSIONS)
Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with a focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
As the Sr. Manager, User Products in Starshield Missions, you will lead a team of Mission Integration Engineers and Mission Managers. You will own full responsibility for integrating Starshield user products (e.g., user terminals) into US Government platforms and systems and will serve as the primary point of contact for ongoing feature definition and development of new products.
Ideal candidates have strong systems integration backgrounds with proven leadership in government programs. We seek leaders who solve complex problems and thrive in fast-paced environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the team in integrating Starshield user products into USG platforms/systems across mission and contract lifecycles.
- Act as the primary point of contact for user product feature definition, requirements, and development.
- Act as the representative of Starshield User Products to the US Government, and as the responsible owner within SpaceX for the US Government’s needs and requirements.
- Drive end-to-end trades, interface definitions, testing, and verification with stakeholders.
- Ensure on-time deliverables, risk mitigation, and mission success.
- Mentor team, foster innovation, and collaborate across programs.
- Grow the team and our product adoption across the US Government.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's in engineering or science discipline.
- 8+ years in aerospace, space, and/or defense industries.
- 5+ years leading integration of hardware/software into government systems.
- 3+ years managing technical teams.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Deep technical understanding of SpaceX’s technology and user products
- Experience with comms payloads, user terminals, or satcom integration.
- Ability to operate across all levels of SpaceX and external entities (e.g. CEOs, Generals, and VPs through technicians, engineers, and end-users).
- Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.
- Proven delivery under pressure across priorities.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
- Must pass DoD level background checks for entry into various government facilities.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Sr. Manager, User Products: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Senior Manager, User Products (Starshield Missions) 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 Senior Manager, User Products (Starshield Missions) 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.
How much does the Senior Manager, User Products (Starshield Missions) role at SpaceX pay?
SpaceX has posted a compensation range of $165k to $230k for this position. Final offers typically vary based on candidate experience, location, and internal salary bands.
When was the Senior Manager, User Products (Starshield Missions) role at SpaceX posted?
This role was posted on April 30, 2026 (53 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.
How much experience does the Senior Manager, User Products (Starshield Missions) role at SpaceX require?
This is a senior-level position. Most senior roles call for 5+ years of directly relevant experience. SpaceX lists their specific requirements in the description below, so review the must-have qualifications closely before applying.
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