Flight Operations Manager

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.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANAGER

The flight operations manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day planning, coordination, and execution of all flight operations to ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and on-time performance. This leadership role involves managing flight schedules, crew resources, operational logistics, and cross-functional collaboration with maintenance, dispatch, ground operations, and air traffic control. The position plays a critical role in maintaining operational excellence while responding effectively to irregular operations (IROPS), delays, or disruptions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily flight operations, including schedule management, aircraft routing, crew assignments, and resource allocation to ensure safe and efficient flight execution.

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable aviation regulations (e.g., FAA Part 121/135, EASA, ICAO, or equivalent), company policies, and the operations manual.

• Lead and supervise the flight operations team, including dispatchers, schedulers, and operations controllers; provide coaching, performance evaluations, and development opportunities.

• Manage crew rostering, duty assignments, and fatigue risk management in accordance with regulatory limits and company procedures.

• Monitor weather, NOTAMs, airspace restrictions, and other factors affecting operations; make timely decisions on delays, cancellations, or diversions.

• Collaborate closely with maintenance, ground handling, and air traffic control to resolve operational issues and minimize disruptions.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve flight operations policies, procedures, and contingency plans.

• Analyze operational performance metrics (on-time performance, fuel efficiency, delay causes) and drive initiatives to enhance efficiency and safety.

• Oversee operational control during irregular operations, including crisis response and coordination with emergency services when required.

• Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and vendor/contractor relationships related to flight operations support.

• Participate in safety management systems (SMS), incident investigations, and audit processes; promote a strong safety culture.

• Prepare reports for senior management and regulatory authorities as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• 7+ years of professional experience in airline or aviation operations.

• 3+ years of experience in a supervisory role.

• Experience in flight scheduling, crew management, dispatch, or operations control.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, crew fatigue management, and operational risk assessment.

• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills under pressure.

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities; able to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.

• Proficiency in flight operations software, scheduling systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement process improvements.

• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to safety-first principles.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

• This position is based in Hawthorne, CA (Los Angeles area), and requires being onsite full-time – hybrid and remote work will not be considered.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Flight Operations Manager: $160,000.00 - $190,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 [email protected].