Ground Segment Specialist (Starshield)

GROUND SEGMENT SPECIALIST (STARSHIELD)

In a dynamic global security environment, SpaceX’s agility is more necessary than ever. We develop world-changing systems end-to-end, from launch vehicles to user terminals, and deploy them with unprecedented speed. Starshield brings these strengths to national security, focusing on intelligence, communications, and hosted payloads. Want to help build out the ground infrastructure that supports these critical systems?

We are looking for a creative and driven specialist to both solve issues affecting sites and antenna availability as well as own the reliability of our global ground station fleet. You will become an expert in the hardware and operations of our gateways - just bring your love of cross-disciplinary problem solving! Specialists on this team are curious, love to learn new things and work effectively in a fast-paced and cross-disciplinary team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the reliability of the Starshield Ground Network and Gateway fleet, monitoring its operational state and coordinating contracted and SpaceX labor, along with supporting cranes, forklifts, or parts
• Personally travel internationally and domestically to deploy, troubleshoot, and repair Starshield ground hardware, including gateway antennas, site power, and fiber infrastructure
• Develop and execute a schedule for general upkeep of the fleet, including spare parts demand, preventative maintenance, and likely emergencies
• Own the relationship with contracted maintenance partners in your region; work with them to schedule technical training, coordinate repair visits, and improve quality of work and scheduling through constructive feedback and strong communication
• Own the Hawthorne lab space, including inventory, tooling, and ground support testing equipment
• Design and build prototype and production hardware supporting our antennas and sites

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline; OR 3+ years of electronics experience troubleshooting communication systems and/or avionics hardware
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience using electronics equipment and RF and/or electronics hand tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to obtain and maintain or already possess an Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
• Experience working in the telecommunications industry
• Meticulous attention to detail, standards, and documentation
• Demonstrated top tier drive to meticulously plan work trips, work independently, and improve the skills of those around them
• Previous field leadership experience
• Ability to read, understand, and follow electrical/mechanical drawings and schematics
• Experience in cell tower and site construction or maintenance
• Experience with low earth orbit tracking antennas, stabilizers, or VSAT antennas
• Experience working with fiber optics; network and telephony installation; and/or AV installation, test, troubleshooting, and repair; using fiber optic test equipment (OTDR, OLS, OPM, VFL)
• Experience constructing IT/network racks (UPS, PDUs, cable management, servers, network devices)
• Experience with facilities and related infrastructure construction and maintenance (diesel/natural gas generators, DC battery banks, etc.)
• Experience installing, activating, or troubleshooting CWDM and/or DWDM using standard fiber equipment and testers
• Experience operating articulating boom lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts, and other work site machinery
• Experience with low voltage AC & DC power distribution; operational understanding of Ohm’s Law; and the ability to safely use a multi-meter
• Fluency in languages in addition to English

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Ability to distinguish between different colors and possess manual dexterity to complete fine motor tasks
• Ability to travel as required; travel will be approximately 75% of the time to US or international gateway sites
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to work at elevated heights

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    
Ground Segment Specialist/Level 1: $30.00 - $40.00/hour    
Ground Segment Specialist/Level 2: $36.00 - $48.00/hour    
Ground Segment Specialist/Level 3: $44.00 - $60.00/hour    
    
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.