
Lead Integration Technician, Mission Management
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.
LEAD INTEGRATION TECHNICIAN (RIDESHARE)
The Mission Management team is looking for a highly motivated lead technician to support customer payload processing at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Mission Management Lead Integration Technician joins a small, close-knit team where individuals make a visible impact on every customer launch campaign. This role offers the chance to grow as a leader while helping push the boundaries of what SpaceX can deliver for its customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead technicians through execution of customer launch campaigns, driving payload readiness from arrival through launch.
- Own daily tasking, campaign priorities, and schedule execution to ensure hardware and ground systems are ready to support mission milestones.
- Serve as the technical lead for payload processing and troubleshooting, coordinating closely with mission. management, engineering, and customer teams to resolve issues quickly.
- Set the standard for safe, disciplined execution while developing technicians and improving team capability.
- Maintain ground support equipment (GSE) and ensure all systems are mission-ready for campaign operations.
- Ensure the highest level of quality to support the successful launch of a world-class launch vehicle.
- Lead the team in maintaining professional conduct and customer-focused operations and interactions through the launch campaign.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- 5+ years of experience working in an aerospace, aviation, automotive, or other manufacturing environment in a technical, hands-on capacity or assembly role.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 1+ years of experience in a leadership capacity.
- Hands-on experience with payload operations, flight hardware processing, or launch support in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
- Proven leadership and mentoring experience, guiding small teams through complex operations.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, particularly under time-critical conditions.
- Excellent communication skills and experience collaborating with engineering, mission management, and customer teams.
- Experience managing customer-facing operations with professionalism and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks across a fast-moving launch campaign.
- Familiarity with aerospace procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards in high-stakes environments.
- Passion for space and innovation, with a willingness to take ownership and go beyond assigned tasks.
- Experience working in a clean room environment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI clearance.
- Experience operating and manipulating machinery and various hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work the following shift:
- 2nd Shift: Monday - Friday; 5:00PM-3:30AM PST
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.
- Ability to be flexible given the work schedule varies depending on site operational needs. Must be willing to work overtime, all shifts, and/or weekends to support mission needs.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. unassisted.
- Ability to perform the following functions: lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying.
- Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 100 feet), including the use of ladders.
- Must be willing to operate heavy machinery.
- Must be able to work in confined spaces.
- Must be able to work while wearing air purifying and/or supplied air respirators.
- Willing to work in an outdoor environment with exposure to extreme weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and ice.
- Willing to work in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
- Willing to travel to other SpaceX sites – up to 35%.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Lead Integration Technician/Level 3: $34.00 - $41.75/hour + $2.00/hour lead differential
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.
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 [email protected].
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Job Details
- Department
- Operations
- Category
- Technician
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- VandenbergVandenberg, CA, United States
- Posted
- Mar 3, 2026, 04:07 PM
- Listed
- Mar 3, 2026, 04:07 PM
- Compensation
- $34 - $41.75 per hour
About SpaceX
Part of the growing space industry ecosystem pushing humanity toward interplanetary exploration.
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