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

About the Role

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%).

Requirements

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Pay

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 job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX.

Benefits

• Eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave accrual pursuant to Company policy.
• Employees with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.