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Spacex Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Spacex Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.9K

$88.6K

$169.4K

How much do spacex engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex engineer in Chicago, IL is $88,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,479.00 and $115,472.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SpaceX engineer?

SpaceX engineers are professionals who design, build, test, and improve the spacecraft, rockets, and related systems at SpaceX. They work in various specialties such as propulsion, avionics, structures, software, and manufacturing. These engineers collaborate to solve complex technical challenges and ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of missions ranging from satellite launches to crewed spaceflight. Their work is critical in advancing SpaceX's goals of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SpaceX engineer?

To thrive as a SpaceX Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. Mastery of CAD software, programming languages (such as Python or C++), and familiarity with simulation and testing tools are typically required. Exceptional teamwork, resilience, and creative thinking help individuals excel in SpaceX’s fast-paced, innovative environment. These skills ensure engineers can design, build, and launch advanced aerospace systems while meeting ambitious goals and overcoming complex technical challenges.

What are some common challenges SpaceX engineers face when working on rapid project timelines?

SpaceX engineers often work in a fast-paced environment where meeting aggressive deadlines is the norm. This can present challenges such as balancing thorough testing with the need for quick iterations, adapting to frequent changes in project scope, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex technical issues swiftly. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with colleagues in both engineering and manufacturing. Despite the pace, this environment provides excellent opportunities for learning, innovation, and career advancement.

What is the difference between Spacex Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectSpacex EngineerAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience with spacecraft systemsBachelor's or higher in Aerospace Engineering or related field; knowledge of aerodynamics and propulsion
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft development, launch facilities, R&D labs at SpaceXAircraft and spacecraft design, testing, and research in labs and manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily at SpaceX, aerospace, and space exploration companiesVarious aerospace firms, government agencies, research institutions

Spacex Engineers focus on spacecraft and launch vehicle development within SpaceX, often working on cutting-edge space missions. Aerospace Engineers have a broader scope, working on aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems across multiple organizations. Both roles require strong engineering backgrounds, but Spacex Engineers specialize more in space launch systems and mission-specific technologies.

How to become a SpaceX engineer?

To become a SpaceX engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, along with strong technical skills and experience in aerospace or mechanical systems. Advanced degrees and experience with CAD software, propulsion, or avionics can improve prospects. Relevant internships and a strong understanding of space technology are also beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Spacex Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Spacex Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spacex Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacex Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Spacex Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacex Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,646 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer (Machine Learning)

Valor Equity Partners

Chicago, IL

$126K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Valor:

Valor Equity Partners is a different kind of private investment firm. We pioneered the idea of operational growth. We work side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, to help grow the operations of great companies solving the world's biggest problems. We invest in technology and technology-enabled companies that innovate and disrupt existing industries - from biosciences to transportation to food to health and wellness. We've had the honor of serving some of the world's greatest entrepreneurs and companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Anduril, Eight Sleep, GoPuff, and others.

Our values are core to all we do. These values are excellence, humility, integrity, and responsibility.

Valor means that we:

  • Strive for excellence in everything we do;
  • Maintain our humility and mutual respect no matter what circumstances we encounter;
  • Insist upon the highest level of integrity in our interactions and in the logic of our investment process; and
  • Demonstrate responsibility and dedication to all of our constituents.

About the Team:

On the Valor Labs Team, we develop cutting edge machine learning models to derive proprietary investment insights and build software applications to augment the Firm's investment decision making process. As a small team of software engineers and data scientists with diverse backgrounds, we work collaboratively on wide-ranging problems to deliver high-impact products for the Firm.

About the Role:

As a Software Engineer on our data science and machine learning team, you will contribute directly to the development of high-impact products. Working together with data scientists, engineers, and stakeholders, you will translate complex project requirements into actionable technical solutions and work collaboratively to build, deploy, monitor, and maintain those solutions in production. Your technical expertise and commitment to excellence will help drive the adoption of best practices and ensure the highest level of rigor in everything we do.

About You:

  • B.S. in Computer Science or related field
  • 5+ years of experience developing production-ready software systems
    • Although not necessary, prior work experience in financial services is highly valued
  • Expertise in end-to-end machine learning operations: model deployment, monitoring, and retraining, supporting integration with production data pipelines and API services.
  • Proficient with Python, especially machine learning libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, and PyTorch
  • Proficient with SQL, including transactional (e.g., PostgreSQL) and analytical (e.g., BigQuery) databases
  • Professional experience with most, if not all, of the following:
    • Containerization (e.g., Kubernetes and Docker)
    • Data processing (e.g., Prefect, Airflow, and dbt)
    • Parallel processing (e.g., Ray, Dask, and Spark)
    • Cloud infrastructure (e.g., Google Cloud Platform)
    • Continuous integration/continuous deployment (e.g. GitHub Actions)
    • Infrastructure as code (e.g., Terraform)
    • Tools to support machine learning operations (e.g., MLFlow and DVC)
  • Humble, hard-working, and collaborative

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