Sr. Professional Geologist

About the role

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to enable human life on Mars. As a Senior Professional Geologist, you will develop, implement, and maintain environmental compliance programs related to construction and remediation at SpaceX’s Hawthorne, CA location, supporting Falcon/Dragon, Raptor/Starship, and Starlink/Starshield teams site-wide.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, improve, and maintain environmental compliance programs for construction and remediation projects.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day environmental site activities for fast-paced manufacturing and high-impact construction, including enforcing and auditing the site-wide Soil Management Plan (SMP) to ensure compliance among employees, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Own all aspects of the SMP, incorporating changes in collaboration with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
• Conduct monitoring and sampling required by the SMP, including volatile organic compounds (VOC) using PID instrumentation (per SCAQMD Rule 1166), methane monitoring, VOC air sampling (EPA Method TO-15), and dust mitigation (SCAQMD Rule 1466).
• Manage waste sampling, profiling, and disposal of hazardous waste (e.g., soil, lead, asbestos) from construction projects.
• Maintain compliance with regulations from agencies such as DTSC, CUPA, EPA, California Air Quality Management Districts, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, and Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Track, review, and interpret new and proposed environmental laws; provide guidance to management and develop practical solutions.
• Operate and maintain compliance calendars, recordkeeping systems, and environmental tracking software; update site operational compliance plans, including the SMP.
• Coordinate and manage contractors for permitting, environmental testing, and assessments; review and maintain related reports.
• Assist in planning facility changes, reviewing new/modified equipment, and ensuring regulatory and permitting compliance for manufacturing/construction programs.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet environmental requirements related to the SMP.
• Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, county, and local regulators, as well as cross-functional teams (engineering, production, operations, construction).
• Support the broader Environmental team with site operational compliance as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• California Licensed Professional Geologist.
• 5+ years of professional experience in designing, developing, and executing environmental and regulatory compliance programs, preferably in manufacturing or construction environments.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with an emphasis in Geology.
• Expertise in environmental remediation, including lead and asbestos remediation, and full implementation of a DTSC-required site-wide Soil Management Plan.
• 6+ years of environmental and regulatory compliance experience in dynamic manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with agencies such as DTSC, CUPA, EPA, California Air Quality Management Districts, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, and Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Experience operating air monitoring and sampling equipment (e.g., PID, certified summa canisters).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with emergency response communication and incident management for hazardous/non-hazardous material releases.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interpret technical data and apply regulations to practical solutions.
• Proven collaboration in integrated team environments (e.g., engineers, managers, regulatory agencies).
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize efficiently, and drive continuous improvement in high-pressure environments.
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

Additional Requirements

• This is an on-site position in Hawthorne, CA; relocation may be required if not already local.
• Occasional extended hours, adjusted shifts (e.g., 2nd shift), or weekend work may be required to align with contractor activities.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, Refugee, Asylee, or eligible for U.S. Department of State authorizations to comply with ITAR requirements.

Pay

Level 3: $130,000 – $190,000. Actual level and base salary determined by job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Long-term incentives (company stock or cash awards).
• Discretionary bonuses and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (with discount).
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave (accrued per company policy).
• Various discounts and perks.