Manager, Data Center Hardware & Infrastructure (TSSCI)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MANAGER DATA CENTER HARDWARE & INFRASTRUCTURE (TS/SCI)

Our data centers and high-performance compute infrastructure form the backbone of mission operations engineering production Starlink Starshield and national security programs.

We are seeking a highly technical hands-on Manager of Data Center Hardware & Infrastructure to build lead and scale a team responsible for the design deployment operations and lifecycle management of data center hardware supporting classified (TS/SCI) and enterprise environments across all SpaceX sites.

This is not a pure people-manager role. The ideal candidate will remain deeply technicalcapable of racking servers troubleshooting power and cooling issuesoptimizinghigh-density GPU clusters and driving hardware standardswhile simultaneously hiring mentoring and orchestrating a distributed team that delivers 24/7 reliability for mission-critical systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and lead a high-performing team of data center technicians systems engineers and infrastructure specialists supporting Hawthorne and all SpaceX sites (including remote/branch locations and future expansions).
• Own end-to-end data center hardware lifecycle: capacity planning procurement rack/stack cabling power distribution cooling (air and liquid) high-density compute (GPU/AI clusters) storage arrays and networking gear.
• Establish and enforce hardware standards configuration baselines and operational procedures aligned with DISA STIG NIST ICD 705 and SpaceX security requirements for TS/SCI environments.
• Drive high-availability operations: monitoring incident response change management preventive maintenance and rapid recovery for classified and unclassified data center environments.
• Partner with network security facilities and compute teams on power cooling cabling and interconnect design for new builds and expansions (including modular and hyperscale approaches).
• Manage vendor relationships hardware roadmaps spares strategy and budget for data center infrastructure across sites.
• Implement DCIM tools telemetry and automation for capacity environmental and asset tracking.
• Ensure compliance with physical security TEMPEST and SCIF/SAPF requirements for classified hardware environments.
• Hire develop and retaintalent; set clear expectations conduct performance management and foster a culture of ownership technical excellence and urgency.
• Travel as needed to SpaceX sites to support stand-ups audits and major incidents (estimated 1025%).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of experience leading technical teams in data center infrastructure or IT operations roles OR 7 years of experience leading technical teams in data center infrastructure or IT operations roles.
• 8 years of hands-on experience in enterprise or hyperscale data center operations hardware infrastructure or critical facilities (power cooling compute storage).

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven track recordbuilding or scaling teams whileremaininghands-on with hardware (servers storage networking power distribution units cooling systems).
• Deep familiarity with data center best practices: Tier design PUE optimization high-density rack design (>3050 kW) cabling standards and hardware lifecycle management.
• Experience supporting classified environments (SCI SAP SCIF/SAPF operations) and associated compliance frameworks (DISA STIG RMF ICD 705 TEMPEST).
• Hands-on experience with GPU/AI compute clusters high-performance networking (InfiniBand 400G/800G Ethernet) and liquid cooling technologies.
• Prior experience at hyperscale operators defense contractors or national security programs involving multi-site data center support.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise storage (NetApp Pure Dell/EMC etc.) virtualization (VMware KVM) and server platforms.
• Experience with DCIM platforms environmental monitoring and capacity planning tools.
• Relevant certifications: CompTIA Security CISSP CDCMP PMP or data center-specific credentials.
• Demonstrated ability to operatein high-tempo mission-driven environments with rapid iteration andhigh standards.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An active clearance may provide the opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing as required.
• Must be able to work extended hours weekends and on-call rotations as needed to support mission timelines and incident response.
• Willingness to travel domestically (and potentially internationally) to support SpaceX sites.
• Ability to lift 4050 lbsand work in data center environments (raised floors tight spaces elevated temperatures).
• Valid drivers license.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$165000.00 - $240000.00

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 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.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential up to an additional $20000 annually once officially briefed into a classified program.

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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.