Operations Engineer, Applied AI (Application Software)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Operations engineers with AI integration experience and a background in cross-functional collaboration will find this mid-level role in aerospace engineering exciting.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level engineers with cross-functional team experience and AI integration skills
    — “Serve as the main technical point of contact, supporting end-to-end while coordinating with internal teams
  • Candidates with production-level application development and LLM deployment experience
    — “Ability to code along with a track record of developing production-level applications
  • Individuals comfortable with fast-moving environments and process innovation
    — “Previous experience innovating process improvements, AI integrations, and AI system design in an enterprise setting

Things to consider

  • This role requires in-person presence and cannot be done remotely or hybrid
    — “This role requires you to be onsite. Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered
  • Travel is a significant commitment, with up to 25% of time spent on site visits
    — “Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time to visit different sites
  • Candidates must be eligible for Air Force background checks for specific locations
    — “Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with large language model integration in your application
    — “Experience with shipping real-world applications using large language models
  • Emphasize your ability to build prototypes and test AI applications effectively
    — “Build prototypes and proof-of-concept applications that clearly illustrate effective ways to integrate with Spok/Grok
  • Showcase your ability to advise on system architecture and AI-powered solutions
    — “Advise on system-on-system architecture and support teams in developing advanced applications powered by LLMs
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • build practical testing approaches
  • create robust system designs
Typical background
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or engineering discipline1+ years of experience working in engineering or operations/process development

Skills & requirements

Required

Engineering BackgroundAbility To CodeExperience With Large Language Models

Preferred

Hands-on Experience Supporting Cross-functional TeamsKnowledge Of Common LLM Techniques

Stack & domain

PythonReactLarge Language ModelsPrompt DesignEvaluation MethodsAgent SystemsRetrieval ArchitectureLeadershipCommunicationFinanceHealthcare

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER, APPLIED AI (APPLICATION SOFTWARE)

As an Operations Engineer on SpaceX’s team, you will act as a key technical partner. You’ll help internal teams across different programs explore the capabilities of different platforms and design smart, effective strategies for incorporating large language models into their products and infrastructure. This hybrid role blends strong technical depth with strong interpersonal skills to empower different teams within the company to create powerful AI-powered solutions while prioritizing safety and responsible deployment.

You’ll collaborate closely with Sales, Product, and Engineering teams to support them from early exploration all the way through successful implementation. Using your engineering background, you will build practical testing approaches and create robust system designs that deliver meaningful results.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work alongside internal teams to uncover their needs and design technical approaches that closely align with their goals

Serve as the main technical point of contact, supporting end-to-end while coordinating with internal teams to ensure strong outcomes

Build prototypes and proof-of-concept applications that clearly illustrate effective ways to integrate with Spok/Grok

Advise on system-on-system architecture and support teams in developing advanced applications powered by LLMs – Large Language Models

Keep current evolving LLM technologies, best practices, and the tools commonly used in fast-moving environments

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or engineering discipline

1+ years of experience working in engineering or operations/process development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Hands-on experience supporting cross- functional teams and a solid grasp of their fast-paced environment, limited resources, and specific pain points, specifically in engineering disciplines

Ability to code along with a track record of developing production-level applications

Experience with shipping real-world applications using large language models and related machine learning tools to lead cross-functional groups

Knowledge of common LLM techniques including prompt design, evaluation methods, agent systems, and retrieval architecture

Previous experience working with AI product design, development, integration, and/or test

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver expeditious results across multiple parallel priorities

Previous experience innovating process improvements, AI integrations, and AI system design in an enterprise setting

Positive, "can-do" attitude, self-starter, and ability to work in a high-pace dynamic environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time to visit different sites

Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

This role requires you to be onsite. Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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.

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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