> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4034512-mission-integration-engineer-special-programs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4034512-mission-integration-engineer-special-programs). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Mission Integration Engineer, Special Programs

- **Company:** Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
- **Location:** Hawthorne, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $110,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Network Interface Controllers, Software Requirements Analysis, Integration Tests
- **Published:** October 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.com/details/5879694657

## About the Role

You will be the owner of the payload-to-platform interface: mechanical, electrical, data, and thermal, plus the static, dynamic, thermal, and electromagnetic environments for launch, on-orbit, and re-entry. You will write and maintain interface control documentation, allocate and verify requirements, run interface trades, and drive non-compliances to a technical disposition (redesign, waiver, or operational constraint). You will plan and execute integration and test, including mate/demate, interface checkout, and end-to-end mission timeline verification. The work is mission and interface engineering applied to an externally built space vehicle on a SpaceX host. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is hungry to do work that matters, and is a quick-learner., * Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline

 * Ability to obtain a Top Secret SCI clearance
 * Experience applying systems engineering methods (requirements, interfaces, verification, or integration and test)
 * Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

 * Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
 * 1+ years of spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload integration / systems engineering experience
 * Master's degree in an engineering discipline
 * Hands-on experience with ICD development, requirements verification, or integrated test
 * Familiarity with launch and on-orbit environments (coupled loads, shock, vibe, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC)
 * Familiarity with USG processes and systems
 * Ability to close technical trades across multiple engineering organizations under schedule pressure
 * Ability to quickly adapt and change course in a fast-paced environment

## Description

As a member of our Mission Management team, you will own the integration of customer payloads onto the SpaceX payload platform from requirements definition through integrated test, flight, and on-orbit operations. You will work closely with technical disciplines across SpaceX, such as vehicle engineering, structures, avionics, thermal, software, flight reliability, and launch and space operations to close the payload-to-platform interface and to verify the mission can be flown safely., * Own the payload-to-platform ICD: define, baseline, and configuration-control mechanical, electrical, data, and thermal interfaces

 * Allocate customer and vehicle requirements to the interface; maintain traceability through analysis, test, and inspection
 * Evaluate payload design against platform constraints and environments (static, dynamic, thermal, electromagnetic) for launch, on-orbit, and re-entry
 * Lead interface trades (mass, volume, keep-out, loads, power, thermal, EMI/EMC, timeline) and document the technical basis
 * Disposition interface non-compliances with engineering: waiver, redesign, or operational constraint, including work-around plans where required
 * Define and support integrated test: interface checkout, EGSE, mate/demate, environmental test correlation, and end-to-end mission timeline
 * Build and maintain the integrated mission CONOPs (on-orbit operations) with payload, vehicle, and operations teams
 * Identify technical risk at the payload-platform boundary, including Do No Harm to the vehicle and to co-manifested payloads; drive mitigations to closure
 * Support design reviews, test readiness, and flight readiness with evidence of interface compliance-not as a customer-facing facilitator, as the responsible engineer for the interface
 * Communicate interface status, open items, and technical decisions to payload providers and internal engineering teams