Sr. Professional Geologist

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.

SR. PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST

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. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop, implement, improve, and maintain environmental compliance programs related to construction and remediation at SpaceX’s Hawthorne, CA location, supporting Falcon/Dragon, Raptor/Starship and Starlink/Starshield teams site wide.
• Oversee and own day-to-day environmental site management for fast-paced manufacturing and high-impact construction projects, including implementing, enforcing, and auditing the site-wide Soil Management Plan to ensure requirements are understood and followed by SpaceX employees, contractors, and subcontractors. 
• Own all aspects of the SMP, including incorporating changes in close collaboration with the DTSC.
• Oversee and conduct various monitoring and sampling required by the SMP, including monitoring of volatile organic compounds using PID (Photoionization Detector) instrumentation as required by SCAQMD Rule 1166 VOC Emissions from Decontamination of Soil, Methane monitoring, VOC air sampling per EPA Method TO-15, SCAQMD Rule 1466 monitoring/dust mitigation and others as applicable.
• Responsible for waste sampling, profiling and proper disposal of hazardous waste generated from construction projects, including but not limited to soil, lead and asbestos waste.
• Maintain compliance with regulations from agencies including Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Quality Management Districts/Air Pollution Control Districts, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, Regional Water Quality Control Board and other applicable bodies.
• Track, review, and interpret new and proposed environmental laws and regulations; provide guidance to management and develop practical solutions.
• Operate and maintain compliance calendars, recordkeeping systems, and environmental tracking software; maintain site operational compliance plans including the Site-Wide Soil Management Plan (SMP).
• Coordinate and manage contractors for permitting, environmental testing, and assessments; review and maintain related reports and records.
• Assist in planning for changes in physical facilities, reviewing new/modified equipment and manufacturing/construction programs to meet regulatory and permitting requirements.
• Ensure appropriate allocation of resources to environmental requirements as it relates to implementing the site-wide SMP.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with federal, state, county, and local regulators as well as close working relationships with engineering, production, operations and construction teams across sites.
• Assist the broader Environmental team with site operational compliance as needed. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree.
• California Licensed Professional Geologist.
• 5+ years of professional experience in the design, development, and execution of environmental and regulatory compliance programs preferably spanning manufacturing and/or construction environments. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with an emphasis in Geology.
• Experience and expertise in environmental remediation, including lead and asbestos remediation, and the full implementation of all aspects of a site-wide Soil Management Plan required by the DTSC. Experience in environmental field with 6+ years of environmental and regulatory compliance in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• California regulatory and environmental compliance experience.
• Experience with agencies including Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Quality Management Districts/Air Pollution Control Districts, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, Regional Water Quality Control Board and other applicable bodies.
• Experience with operating air monitoring and sampling equipment, including but not limited to PID (Photoionization Detector) and certified summa canisters.
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with emergency response communication and incident management involving hazardous/non-hazardous material releases to air, soil, and water.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience handling highly technical data, interpretation, analysis, and application of rules/regulations toward practical solutions.
• Track record of successful collaboration in integrated team environments (frequent interactions with engineers, managers, and regulatory agencies).
• Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize work efficiently, and drive continuous improvement in high-pressure environments.
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational skills. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Hawthorne, CA area.
• Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours, adjusted hours to align with contractor activities (i.e 2nd shift) and weekends when needed. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $130,000.00 - $190,000.00

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  [email protected].