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Spacex Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Supply Chain Planner, PCB (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... pilot, and rate builds with the right material plan, timing, and quantities * Proactively manage inventory and prevent stock-outs while optimizing utilization of SpaceX working capital * Develop and ...

Supply Chain Planner, PCB (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... pilot, and rate builds with the right material plan, timing, and quantities * Proactively manage inventory and prevent stock-outs while optimizing utilization of SpaceX working capital * Develop and ...

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Lead the development, piloting, and rollout of new services, offerings, and training programs ...

New

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Evaluate, pilot, and operationalize AI-powered workflows and tools (including LLM-assisted ...

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Evaluate, pilot, and operationalize AI-powered workflows and tools (including LLM-assisted ...

SR. MANAGER, HOSPITALITY The SpaceX Hospitality team serves all employees, customers, government ... Lead the development, piloting, and rollout of new services, offerings, and training programs ...

New

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Spacex Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do spacex pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex pilot in Texas is $121,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SpaceX pilot?

A SpaceX Pilot is a highly trained astronaut responsible for operating and overseeing spacecraft during missions. They play a critical role in ensuring the safety of the crew, executing flight procedures, and communicating with mission control. Pilots may be involved in space station missions, orbital flights, or future Mars exploration efforts. They undergo extensive training in spacecraft systems, navigation, and emergency procedures.

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

To thrive as a SpaceX Pilot, you typically need an advanced degree in engineering or a related field, significant flight experience (often including military or test pilot backgrounds), and certifications such as FAA commercial pilot licenses. Mastery of spacecraft control systems, simulators, and familiarity with mission-specific protocols are essential technical skills. Standout pilots demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities, composure under pressure, and strong teamwork and communication skills. These qualities are critical because piloting cutting-edge spacecraft requires real-time decision-making, seamless crew collaboration, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving mission situations.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a SpaceX pilot, and how much time is spent in training versus actual missions?

SpaceX Pilots generally spend a substantial portion of their time in rigorous training, including flight simulation, physical conditioning, and mission rehearsals, which can comprise several months leading up to a mission. Actual spaceflight missions are less frequent, but they are highly demanding and require full commitment for extended periods, sometimes including pre- and post-mission preparation. The work schedule is highly variable, reflecting the dynamic nature of spaceflight operations, but often involves long hours, on-call periods, and intensive teamwork with engineers and crew. This structure ensures pilots are fully prepared for the technical, physical, and psychological demands of each mission while facilitating continual learning and readiness between flights.

How to become a SpaceX pilot?

To become a SpaceX pilot, candidates typically need a background in aerospace engineering, aviation, or related fields, along with extensive flight experience and a strong understanding of spacecraft systems. Relevant certifications such as commercial pilot licenses and experience with high-performance aircraft or spacecraft are often required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Spacex Pilot jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Spacex Pilot jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Spacex Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,969 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Equipment Engineering Manager - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX • On-site


SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


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.
MANAGER, EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING (SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING)
SpaceX is seeking a highly motivated Equipment Engineering Manager to lead the development, installation, qualification, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing equipment for our next-generation solar cell production lines. In this role, you will drive equipment strategy, reliability, and performance to enable high-volume, high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing that supports SpaceX's energy goals. Your scope will span initial factory turn-on, execution of ambitious factory ramps, and driving of equipment strategy to support continuous solar cell technology and performance improvements.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Grow, lead, and mentor a team of equipment engineers responsible for solar cell manufacturing tools including wet chemical benches, PECVD deposition systems, PVD/sputtering tools, metrology/inspection systems, and beyond
  • Own equipment lifecycle management from installation and process qualification through high-volume production, including preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts optimization, and continuous improvement of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment downtime, yield excursions, and process drift using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, DOE).
  • Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, and facilities teams to define equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, and capacity expansion roadmaps for solar cell technologies
  • Develop and execute equipment roadmaps that improve throughput, reduce cost per watt, and increase cell efficiency while maintaining world-class uptime
  • Establish and enforce equipment safety, cleanroom protocols, and change control processes in a high-volume semiconductor-style manufacturing environment.
  • Partner with vendors and internal SpaceX designers to evaluate, qualify, and integrate new equipment platforms and drive performance improvements on existing tools
  • Track and report key performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, yield impact, cost of ownership) to senior leadership and drive data-driven decisions
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring equipment is ready for pilot and ramp phases of next-generation cell architectures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science
  • 5+ years of experience in equipment engineering or maintenance in a high-volume manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, or related industry)
  • 5+ years of experience managing or leading a team of engineers
  • Experience with thin-film deposition, vacuum systems, or wet processing equipment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience specifically with silicon solar cell manufacturing equipment, processes, chemicals, and gases
  • Strong background in semiconductor equipment (PECVD, PVD, ALD, etch, or CMP) or photovoltaic production lines
  • Machine design and/or manufacturing background with proven track record of going from idea to working system
  • Proven track record of improving equipment availability, reducing cost of ownership, and scaling manufacturing capacity
  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), data analytics platforms, and equipment automation (SECS/GEM, PLCs, SCADA)
  • Knowledge of cleanroom operations, contamination control, and safety standards in a high-tech manufacturing setting
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and long weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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

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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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