Manager, IT Infrastructure (Data Centers)

About the Role

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
• 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.

Pay

$165,000.00 - $240,000.00

Benefits

• Long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards)
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ability to purchase additional stock at a discount)
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy

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.