Manager, Software Engineering, People (Application Software)
SpaceX· Aerospace· Oct 13, 2026 · 14d ago
Hawthorne, CA
In office
Full-time
Manager
$195K–$290K
5+ years exp
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, SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, PEOPLE (APPLICATION SOFTWARE)
As the Software Engineering Manager, you will be managing teams of software engineers to build and support our People software systems – including HRIS, payroll, and the applications that run the employee lifecycle.
The People software team builds and maintains the mission-critical systems that power SpaceX’s People operations and keep employee, payroll, and HR data accurate, reliable, and secure as we scale launch, manufacturing, Starlink, AI, and chip design. Our teams design, own, and evolve the platforms HR, payroll, and recruiting depend on every day – from core HRIS and payroll to timekeeping, benefits, recruiting, and the integrations that connect those systems with finance, identity, facilities, and other teams across the company.
Are you comfortable tackling new problems and creating innovative solutions? Do you want to help improve the software, infrastructure, and the teams that are instrumental to help take us to Mars? Are you excited about helping people grow in their careers? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment that embraces change? If this sounds like you, join and help lead our teams to make a real impact on humanity.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative leaders who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage all aspects of the software supporting People operations, including HRIS, payroll, time and attendance, benefits, recruiting, employee master data and org structure, and the systems that connect People with finance, identity, facilities, and other teams across the company
Ensure successful execution on core goals such as reliability, data accuracy, privacy, auditability, and scalability; alignment with People, Payroll, and Talent stakeholders’ needs; and architecture that meets future needs as we scale headcount across sites and the rest of the business
Provide strong technical leadership and strategic guidance to the software teams, while focusing on continuously raising the bar on engineering and quality of execution
Drive speed of iteration of the software teams with focus on capability-based deliverables
Work with teams to set priorities, plan work, and help make trades on what is important at any given time
Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of the system roadmap
Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure data flows cleanly end-to-end, controls stay strong, and People systems keep pace with the business
Directly manage a team of software engineers and software engineering leads
Attract, onboard, and retain diverse top talent. Develop people and teams through coaching, mentoring, and management support
Conduct weekly 1:1s, goal setting, feedback conversations, and semi-annual performance reviews with engineers and engineering leads to ensure their well-being and team health, and support them in their learning and development
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 5+ years of software development experience; OR 7+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree
1+ years of experience with direct report management for a software engineering team
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
5+ years of experience developing across a full-stack: web server, database, and client-side (HTML/JavaScript/CSS), CI/CD
Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java, or similar object-oriented language
Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
Experience building or integrating with HRIS, payroll, or talent systems
Experience with sensitive employee data, privacy, auditability, and access controls (SOX-aware payroll systems a plus)
Domain expertise in any of the following:
HRIS and employee lifecycle systems (hire to retire, org structure, employee master data)
Payroll, time and attendance, or benefits platforms
HRIS / payroll platforms (e.g. Workday, UKG, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, or similar)
People data integrations, identity/org sync, or reporting platforms
Up to date with current trends, patterns, and direction of the world of web development as it changes rapidly
Strong knowledge of computer science fundamentals and applying them in the real-world
Experience optimizing applications for performance and scaling web applications
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Demonstrated technical project management skills
Proven leadership ability on software development teams
Understanding of system architecture and ability to communicate and guide others on design decisions
Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
Able to collaborate across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers, People/Payroll/Talent stakeholders, and managers
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Must be able to travel to other SpaceX sites as needed (~10%)
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: $195,000.00 - $290,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. 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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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave