MANAGER, IT INFRASTRUCTURE (DATA CENTERS)
SpaceX is looking for a rockstar IT infrastructure manager with proven expertise in building and operating next-generation data centers from the ground up. This leader will manage a world-class team of IT and facilities engineers, owning the end-to-end design, construction, and management of hyperscale data centers that power SpaceXs engineering, production, and mission operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on visionary with deep IT and facilities knowledge, exceptional leadership, and the drive to innovate in high-stakes environments. You will coach and inspire your team while diving into critical design, procurement, and execution decisions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the design, buildout, and ongoing management of next-gen data centers, including site selection, capacity planning, power infrastructure (e.g., PDUs, UPS, generators), advanced cooling systems (e.g., liquid cooling, CRAC/CRAH), and scalable racking/modular solutions across SpaceX locations. • Oversee core data center facilities services such as HVAC optimization, redundant power systems, fire suppression, and environmental monitoring to ensure 99.999% uptime in mission-critical environments. • Build and continuously develop a high-performing team of engineers focused on enterprise infrastructure, including virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), high-performance storage (NAS/SAN/object), and purpose-built servers optimized for HPC and AI workloads. • Drive high-availability architectures, disaster recovery strategies, and resilience testing, including multi-site failover and automated recovery. • Mentor engineers in designing, procuring, and deploying performance-optimized server fleets; establish hardware standards, negotiate with vendors (e.g., Dell, HPE, Supermicro), and ensure scalability to meet SpaceXs explosive compute demands. • Hands-on supervision of data center installations, configurations, cabling, and commissioning; perform rack-and-stack, BIOS/firmware tuning, and integration testing as needed. • Implement infrastructure-as-code, automation, and holistic monitoring (e.g., DCIM tools like Schneider EcoStruxure or Nlyte) for proactive operations in automated, green data centers. • Schedule and execute off-peak maintenance, upgrades, and expansions, including high-risk downtimes, with 24/7 on-call readiness. • Collaborate with SpaceX stakeholders (engineering, facilities, security) to deliver tailored solutions, resolve issues proactively, and align data center evolution with long-term roadmap goals.
BASIC QUALIFICATION
• Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline and 5+ years in data center leadership (design/build/ops), OR 8+ years in IT infrastructure leadership with hands-on data center experience. • 7+ years of experience leading two or more of: hyperscale data center design/construction, critical facilities management (power/HVAC), enterprise server/storage infrastructure, or high-availability operations.
PREferred SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• Proven track record building next-gen data centers from greenfield sites, including modular/prefab designs, liquid immersion cooling, green power (renewables/PUE <1.2), and Tier III/IV certifications. • Expertise in data center facilities: power distribution (high-density racks >50kW), advanced cooling (direct-to-chip, rear-door heat exchangers), seismic/structural engineering integration, and sustainability best practices. • Deep knowledge of storage ecosystems (NFS/CIFS/iSCSI, NetApp, Pure Storage, Ceph) and server specs for HPC/AI (e.g., GPU clusters, NVIDIA DGX). • Experience with DCIM, IaC (Terraform/Ansible), scripting (Python/PowerShell/Bash), and monitoring (Prometheus/Grafana, DC-specific tools). • Hands-on with virtualization, networking (InfiniBand/Ethernet fabrics), and edge computing in remote/harsh environments. • Strong vendor management for hyperscale procurement and negotiation. • Excellent communicator: Translates complex DC concepts for non-technical audiences and authors clear runbooks/SOPs. • Self-starter thriving in fast-paced, interruption-heavy settings with a passion for innovation.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to lift 50 lbs unassisted for racking equipment, cable management, and facilities tasks (e.g., UPS swaps). • Willingness to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and travel to data center sites as needed. • This role is 100% on-site at SpaceX facilities; no hybrid or remote options. • Valid drivers license required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Pay Range: Manager, IT Infrastructure: $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 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.