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Day Shift Spacex Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Structures Technician (Dragon)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$31 - $38/hr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s). * Drill, ream ...

AIRMED INTERNATIONAL

Fixed Wing Pilot

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$111K - $122K/yr

Pilot shift assignments consist of either a day duty period or a night duty period and are scheduled the month prior by the Base Lead Pilot to provide pilots sufficient opportunity to prepare their ...

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All JobsDay Shift Spacex Pilot Jobs

Day Shift Spacex Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do day shift spacex pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for day shift spacex pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a day shift SpaceX pilot?

To thrive as a Day Shift SpaceX Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a background in aerospace engineering or a related field, and typically military or commercial pilot licensure. Familiarity with spacecraft control systems, flight simulation software, and SpaceX-specific operational protocols is essential. Exceptional situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and strong teamwork abilities set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial to ensure mission safety, effective problem-solving, and seamless coordination during complex spaceflight operations.

What is a day shift SpaceX pilot?

Day Shift SpaceX Pilots are highly trained professionals responsible for operating and overseeing spacecraft missions during daytime hours at SpaceX. Their duties include piloting spacecraft, monitoring flight systems, coordinating with mission control, and ensuring the safety and success of each mission segment assigned to their shift. They work closely with engineers and other crew members to troubleshoot issues and adhere to strict protocols. These pilots must undergo rigorous training and possess a deep understanding of aerospace operations and safety standards.

What is the difference between Day Shift Spacex Pilot vs Day Shift Rocket Engineer?

AspectDay Shift Spacex PilotDay Shift Rocket Engineer
Required CredentialsPilot certification, aerospace training, possibly military or commercial pilot licensesEngineering degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOperate spacecraft, onboard systems, and navigation during daytime shiftsDesign, test, and maintain rocket systems in labs or manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSpaceX, aerospace industry, space explorationSpaceX, aerospace manufacturing, research and development

The Day Shift Spacex Pilot primarily operates spacecraft during daytime hours, requiring pilot licenses and aerospace training. In contrast, the Day Shift Rocket Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining rocket systems, with a background in engineering. Both roles are integral to space missions but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by a day shift SpaceX pilot and how are they addressed?

Day Shift SpaceX Pilots often encounter unique challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing mission parameters, collaborating with diverse engineering and support teams, and maintaining high levels of situational awareness during long operational periods. To address these, pilots undergo rigorous simulation training, participate in frequent briefings, and utilize advanced communication systems to stay aligned with ground control and mission objectives. The role also requires strong teamwork and adaptability, as pilots regularly coordinate with mission specialists and engineers to ensure successful launches and landings.
What cities are hiring for Day Shift Spacex Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Day Shift Spacex Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Day Shift Spacex Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Day Shift Spacex Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Day Shift Spacex Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Day Shift Spacex Pilot jobs are:
Day Shift Spacex Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Day Shift Spacex Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Automation & Controls Specialist (Starship) - Night Shift

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST (STARSHIP) - Night Shift
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.
The Launch Hardware Automation & Controls Specialist role will be hands-on in designing and activating the systems that build and launch Starship. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of elite engineers designing and improving the electrical and control systems across our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from integrating specialized equipment to challenging operating environment, packaging or loading.
  • Execute the integration and activation testing of new equipment.
  • Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic, and fluid plumbing.
  • Experience with authoring detailed manufacturing planning work orders.
  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for a variety of active and critical ground support equipment tooling.
  • Write robust and scalable procedures to activate technicians to quickly and reliably build and commission control systems.
  • Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
  • Participate in the design and development of new and existing control systems critical to the launch organization.
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 3+ years of experience in a controls technician, controls specialist, or engineering role.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technology field.
  • Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field
  • Knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes.
  • Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal.
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities.
  • Proven ability to author detailed manufacturing planning work orders in strict compliance with guidelines and procedures.
  • Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment.
  • Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence.
  • Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan.
  • PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal.
  • First-hand experience with programming and software development.
  • Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP.
  • Exposure to C/C++, Python, and JavaScript.
  • Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
  • Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team in a high-pressure, dynamic environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed.
    • 2nd shift: 6pm-6am, 4 days a week
  • Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%.
  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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