Manager, IT Infrastructure (Data Centers)

Location: Hawthorne, CA

Department: Information Technology - Corporate

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 SpaceX's 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 SpaceX's 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 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's 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 driver's 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.