Pilot in Command (PIC)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have extensive flight experience in corporate aviation and are comfortable with on-call responsibilities.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 4,000+ hours of flight time and experience in high-end corporate aviation
    — “4,000+ hours total flight time
  • Individuals who can demonstrate expertise in Gulfstream GV series and advanced flight systems
    — “500+ hours in the Gulfstream GV series
  • Professionals with a first-class medical certificate and ability to work on an on-call basis
    — “First class medical certificate

Things to consider

  • Must be within a 2-4 hour travel distance to LAX for operational readiness
    — “Within 2-4 hour travel distance to LAX
  • Applicant 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 in route optimization and fuel management in your resume and interview
    — “Perform pre-flight planning, including weather analysis, route optimization, and fuel management.
  • Emphasize your ability to ensure passenger safety and comfort in high-pressure scenarios
    — “Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, including SpaceX executives and team members.
  • Showcase your collaboration with air traffic control and ground support in mission execution
    — “Collaborate with crew, air traffic control, and ground support to execute flawless missions.
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · LowAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Individual

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

What success looks like

  • executing flawless missions
  • ensuring safety and comfort of passengers
  • completing post-flight reports
  • staying current on aviation best practices
Typical background
high school diploma or equivalency certificate4,000+ hours total flight timefirst class medical certificate

Skills & requirements

Required

Pilot In CommandConducting Domestic And International FlightsPre-flight PlanningMaintaining Aircraft LogsAdhering To Maintenance And Operational ProtocolsCollaborating With Crew And Air Traffic ControlParticipating In Training And Proficiency Checks

Preferred

Boeing 737 Type RatingGulfstream G650 Type RatingGulfstream Gv SeriesHigh-end Corporate Or Executive Transport OperationsAdvanced Avionics And Flight Management Systems

Stack & domain

FAA RegulationsCorporate Aviation StandardsCommunicationAdvanced AvionicsFlight Management SystemsBoeing 737 Type RatingGulfstream G650 Type RatingGulfstream GV SeriesHigh-end Corporate Or Executive Transport OperationsTeamworkProblem-solvingAdaptabilityLeadershipFirst Class Medical CertificateAviationPilotCorporate AviationExecutive Transport

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.

PILOT IN COMMAND (PIC)

SpaceX is seeking an experienced Pilot in Command (PIC) to join our Aviation team. You will have the opportunity to fly both domestically and internationally from local airports while flying various aircraft.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Serve as Pilot in Command, conducting domestic and international flights in compliance with FAA regulations and company standards.

Perform pre-flight planning, including weather analysis, route optimization, and fuel management.

Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, including SpaceX executives and team members.

Maintain aircraft logs, complete post-flight reports, and adhere to all maintenance and operational protocols.

Collaborate with crew, air traffic control, and ground support to execute flawless missions.

Participate in ongoing training and proficiency checks to stay current on aviation best practices.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate 

4,000+ hours total flight time

First class medical certificate

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong knowledge of FAR Part 91 operations and corporate aviation standards.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Boeing 737 Type Rating and/or Gulfstream G650 Type Rating.

500+ hours in the Gulfstream GV series.

Experience in high-end corporate or executive transport operations.

Familiarity with advanced avionics and flight management systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Within 2-4 hour travel distance to LAX

Ability to work on an on-call basis

Current passport

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 5: $225,000 - $325,000

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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