Manager, Data Center Hardware & Infrastructure (TS/SCI)

MANAGER, DATA CENTER HARDWARE & INFRASTRUCTURE (TS/SCI)

Our data centers and high-performance compute infrastructure form the backbone of mission operations, engineering, production, Starlink, Starshield, and national security programs.

We are seeking a highly technical, hands-on Manager of Data Center Hardware & Infrastructure to build, lead, and scale a team responsible for the design, deployment, operations, and lifecycle management of data center hardware supporting classified (TS/SCI) and enterprise environments across all SpaceX sites. 

This is not a pure people-manager role. The ideal candidate will remain deeply technical—capable of racking servers, troubleshooting power and cooling issues, optimizing high-density GPU clusters, and driving hardware standards—while simultaneously hiring, mentoring, and orchestrating a distributed team that delivers 24/7 reliability for mission-critical systems. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Build and lead a high-performing team of data center technicians, systems engineers, and infrastructure specialists supporting Hawthorne and all SpaceX sites (including remote/branch locations and future expansions).
• Own end-to-end data center hardware lifecycle: capacity planning, procurement, rack/stack, cabling, power distribution, cooling (air and liquid), high-density compute (GPU/AI clusters), storage arrays, and networking gear.
• Establish and enforce hardware standards, configuration baselines, and operational procedures aligned with DISA STIG, NIST, ICD 705, and SpaceX security requirements for TS/SCI environments.
• Drive high-availability operations: monitoring, incident response, change management, preventive maintenance, and rapid recovery for classified and unclassified data center environments.
• Partner with network, security, facilities, and compute teams on power, cooling, cabling, and interconnect design for new builds and expansions (including modular and hyperscale approaches).
• Manage vendor relationships, hardware roadmaps, spares strategy, and budget for data center infrastructure across sites.
• Implement DCIM tools, telemetry, and automation for capacity, environmental, and asset tracking.
• Ensure compliance with physical security, TEMPEST, and SCIF/SAPF requirements for classified hardware environments.
• Hire, develop, and retain talent; set clear expectations, conduct performance management, and foster a culture of ownership, technical excellence, and urgency.
• Travel as needed to SpaceX sites to support stand-ups, audits, and major incidents (estimated 10–25%). 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience leading technical teams in data center, infrastructure, or IT operations roles, OR 7+ years of experience leading technical teams in data center, infrastructure, or IT operations roles.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise or hyperscale data center operations, hardware infrastructure, or critical facilities (power, cooling, compute, storage).

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

• Proven track record building or scaling teams while remaining hands-on with hardware (servers, storage, networking, power distribution units, cooling systems).
• Deep familiarity with data center best practices: Tier design, PUE optimization, high-density rack design (>30–50+ kW), cabling standards, and hardware lifecycle management. 
• Experience supporting classified environments (SCI, SAP, SCIF/SAPF operations) and associated compliance frameworks (DISA STIG, RMF, ICD 705, TEMPEST).
• Hands-on experience with GPU/AI compute clusters, high-performance networking (InfiniBand, 400G/800G Ethernet), and liquid cooling technologies.
• Prior experience at hyperscale operators, defense contractors, or national security programs involving multi-site data center support.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise storage (NetApp, Pure, Dell/EMC, etc.), virtualization (VMware, KVM), and server platforms.
• Experience with DCIM platforms, environmental monitoring, and capacity planning tools.
• Relevant certifications: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CDCMP, PMP, or data center-specific credentials.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-driven environments with rapid iteration and high standards. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• An active clearance may provide the opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing as required.
• Must be able to work extended hours, weekends, and on-call rotations as needed to support mission timelines and incident response.
• Willingness to travel domestically (and potentially internationally) to support SpaceX sites.
• Ability to lift 40–50 lbs and work in data center environments (raised floors, tight spaces, elevated temperatures).
• Valid driver’s license. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$165,000.00 - $240,000.00

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.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.