Sr. Windows Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Sr. Windows Systems Engineer
• Company: SpaceX
• Location: Hawthorne, California, United States
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Server Administration
• Date Posted: 2025-08-02
• Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, implement, and support highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems for SpaceX's demanding engineering teams.
• Collaborate with diverse groups to deliver creative solutions and resolve problems in a timely and proactive manner.
• Make recommendations, justify, and implement improvements using an accepted change control methodology.
• Work within the Windows Infrastructure team to support systems across SpaceX, contributing to the goal of making humanity an interplanetary species.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high degree of responsibility and flexibility, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Design and implement Windows-based systems, considering interoperability, scale, efficiency, and business continuity for users within and across environments.
• Security: Build PKI standards and ensure access and data protection using methods such as KMS, HSM, and certificate management.
• Scripting and Automation: Develop solutions to address issues at scale using PowerShell and other scripting languages.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other engineers to gather requirements, research, evaluate, design, plan, deploy, and support Microsoft enterprise software platforms and related technologies.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues, ensuring systems remain highly available and performant.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high level of technical problem-solving and requires a strong understanding of Windows-based systems and services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 7+ years of hands-on experience with Windows operating system engineering and architecture.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience with Active Directory, Kerberos, and multi-platform authentication and identification environments.
• Experience with Windows-based systems and services, including Active Directory Certificate Services and Active Directory Federation Services.
• Expertise in PowerShell scripting, leveraging source code and version control tools.
• Strong knowledge of cryptography fundamentals, such as PKI standards and data encryption or key management.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in creating repeatable, reliable, scalable systems architectures with high availability, fault tolerance, performance tuning, monitoring, and statistics/metrics collection.
• Expert-level PowerShell experience, including writing larger scripts and automation-driven processes.
• Experience with robust monitoring and automated remediation services for critical systems (SCOM, Icinga, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with both on-premises and O365 Microsoft Exchange, with an emphasis on security.
• Experience with SharePoint farms and content hosting.
• Knowledge of configuration management, provisioning, infrastructure as code, and other DevOps and/or SRE best practices, concepts, and tools.
• Ability to support deployment of HSMs (Thales) and cryptographic solutions.
• Understanding of developing web and C#/.Net applications and build processes.
• Networking experience in IPv4, switching, routing, firewalls, and high availability architecture.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate with internal/external customers, vendors, management, etc., in both formal and informal situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in Windows system engineering and a proven track record of delivering high-quality, scalable solutions in challenging environments are encouraged to apply.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Windows system engineering and architecture through relevant projects and case studies.
• Showcase your ability to design, implement, and support highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems.
• Highlight your experience with Active Directory, Kerberos, and multi-platform authentication and identification environments.
• Include examples of your PowerShell scripting skills and how you've used them to address issues at scale.

Technical Documentation:

• Provide detailed documentation of your Windows system engineering projects, including architecture decisions, implementation steps, and troubleshooting processes.
• Include any relevant performance metrics, optimization techniques, and testing methodologies used in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-curated portfolio showcasing your technical expertise and problem-solving skills will be crucial for success in this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Sr. Windows Systems Engineer: $135,000 - $180,000 per year

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation (3 weeks)
• Paid holidays (10 or more per year)
• Paid sick leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Long-term incentives, such as company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries and various perks to attract and retain top talent in the Windows system engineering field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SpaceX operates in the aerospace and space exploration industry, focusing on developing reusable rockets and spacecraft for both cargo and crewed missions.

Company Size: SpaceX is a large company with a significant presence in the aerospace industry, employing thousands of professionals across various disciplines.

Founded: SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, with the mission to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars.

Team Structure:

• The Windows Infrastructure team is part of SpaceX's broader Information Technology department, which supports the company's mission-critical operations.
• The team consists of experienced engineers who work collaboratively to design, implement, and maintain Windows-based systems and services across SpaceX.
• The Sr. Windows Systems Engineer role reports directly to the Windows Infrastructure team lead and works closely with other engineers to gather requirements, research, evaluate, design, plan, deploy, and support Microsoft enterprise software platforms and related technologies.

Development Methodology:

• SpaceX follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• The Windows Infrastructure team uses a structured approach to change control, ensuring that all modifications to systems and services are thoroughly evaluated and tested before deployment.
• The team employs a robust monitoring and alerting system to ensure the high availability and performance of Windows-based systems and services.

Company Website: SpaceX

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's unique mission and culture provide a challenging and rewarding environment for Windows system engineers seeking to make a significant impact on the aerospace industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Sr. Windows Systems Engineer role is an advanced position within the Windows system engineering career path. This role requires a deep understanding of Windows operating system engineering and architecture, as well as extensive experience in designing, implementing, and supporting highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Windows Systems Engineer reports directly to the Windows Infrastructure team lead and works closely with other engineers to gather requirements, research, evaluate, design, plan, deploy, and support Microsoft enterprise software platforms and related technologies.

Technical Impact: The Sr. Windows Systems Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the high availability, performance, and security of Windows-based systems and services across SpaceX. Their work directly supports the company's mission to make humanity an interplanetary species by enabling reliable and efficient communication and collaboration among its diverse teams of engineers and scientists.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen your expertise in specific areas of Windows system engineering, such as security, automation, or architecture, and become a go-to resource for your team and the broader organization.
• Technical Leadership: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior engineers, driving technical decision-making, and contributing to the team's strategic direction.
• Architecture and Design: Expand your role to focus on architecture and design, working closely with other engineers to define the technical vision and roadmap for SpaceX's Windows-based systems and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Sr. Windows Systems Engineer role offers significant opportunities for career growth and technical development within SpaceX's dynamic and innovative environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: SpaceX's Hawthorne, California headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The Windows Infrastructure team works in an open, shared office space that encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): SpaceX's Hawthorne, California headquarters is the primary location for this role. However, the company's growing presence in other locations, such as Boca Chica, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Florida, may offer opportunities for remote work or relocation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The Windows Infrastructure team works closely with other engineering teams, such as Software, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering, to ensure seamless integration and interoperability between Windows-based systems and other mission-critical technologies.
• Development Tools: The team uses a variety of development tools, including Visual Studio, PowerShell, and various Microsoft enterprise software platforms, to design, implement, and support Windows-based systems and services.
• Testing Devices: SpaceX provides access to cutting-edge hardware and software tools to ensure the high performance and reliability of Windows-based systems and services.

Work Schedule: The Sr. Windows Systems Engineer role requires a flexible work schedule, with the ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical systems and maintain high availability. The team follows a standard workweek of Monday through Friday, with core hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's dynamic and fast-paced work environment offers Windows system engineers the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects while collaborating with a diverse and talented team of professionals.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess your technical background and cultural fit with SpaceX.
2. Technical Phone Interview: A deeper dive into your technical skills and experience, focusing on your knowledge of Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting.
3. On-site Interview: A full-day on-site interview at SpaceX's Hawthorne, California headquarters, consisting of:
   • Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive assessment of your technical skills and experience, including architecture, security, and automation.
   • Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with SpaceX.
   • Team Fit: An opportunity to meet with members of the Windows Infrastructure team and discuss your potential role within the organization.
4. Final Review: A final review of your application materials and interview performance by SpaceX's hiring team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your experience with Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting through relevant projects and case studies.
• Showcase your ability to design, implement, and support highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems.
• Include examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've addressed complex technical challenges in previous roles.
• Tailor your portfolio to SpaceX's unique mission and culture, emphasizing your commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your PowerShell scripting skills, focusing on automation and efficiency.
• Review your knowledge of Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and Kerberos.
• Familiarize yourself with SpaceX's mission and culture, and be prepared to discuss how your technical skills and experience align with the company's goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's technical interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the organization. A well-prepared and tailored portfolio, along with a strong understanding of the company's mission and values, will be crucial for success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on server-side and infrastructure technologies)

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Windows Server: SpaceX uses Windows Server to support a wide range of mission-critical applications and services.
• Active Directory: SpaceX's Active Directory implementation provides centralized user and resource management, as well as single sign-on and access control capabilities.
• PowerShell: SpaceX leverages PowerShell for automation, configuration management, and task automation across its Windows-based systems and services.

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Visual Studio: SpaceX uses Visual Studio for developing and deploying Windows-based applications and services.
• SCOM: SpaceX employs SCOM for monitoring and managing its Windows-based systems and services, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Git: SpaceX uses Git for version control and collaboration, enabling efficient and reliable development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's technology stack is designed to support the company's mission-critical operations and enable the development and deployment of innovative Windows-based systems and services.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Innovation: SpaceX values innovation and encourages its employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
• Collaboration: SpaceX fosters a culture of collaboration, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
• Quality: SpaceX is committed to delivering high-quality products and services, with a focus on performance, reliability, and user experience.
• Continuous Improvement: SpaceX encourages its employees to continuously learn and improve, with a strong emphasis on professional development and growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Windows Infrastructure team works closely with other engineering teams, such as Software, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering, to ensure seamless integration and interoperability between Windows-based systems and other mission-critical technologies.
• Code Review Culture: SpaceX employs a code review culture to ensure the high quality and maintainability of its Windows-based systems and services.
• Knowledge Sharing: SpaceX encourages its employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's unique mission and culture provide a challenging and rewarding environment for Windows system engineers seeking to make a significant impact on the aerospace industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• High Availability: Design, implement, and maintain highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems that can withstand the demands of SpaceX's mission-critical operations.
• Security: Implement and manage robust security measures to protect Windows-based systems and services from unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Automation: Develop and deploy automated solutions to address technical issues at scale and optimize Windows-based systems and services for efficiency and performance.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest Windows operating system engineering and architecture best practices, and incorporate emerging technologies into SpaceX's Windows-based systems and services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen your expertise in specific areas of Windows system engineering, such as security, automation, or architecture, and become a go-to resource for your team and the broader organization.
• Technical Leadership: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior engineers, driving technical decision-making, and contributing to the team's strategic direction.
• Architecture and Design: Expand your role to focus on architecture and design, working closely with other engineers to define the technical vision and roadmap for SpaceX's Windows-based systems and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's dynamic and fast-paced work environment offers Windows system engineers the opportunity to tackle challenging technical problems and drive innovation in the aerospace industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Windows Operating System Engineering:
  • Describe your experience with Windows operating system engineering and architecture.
  • How have you designed, implemented, and supported highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems in previous roles?
  • Can you discuss your approach to Windows system architecture, security, and automation?
• Active Directory:
  • Explain your experience with Active Directory, Kerberos, and multi-platform authentication and identification environments.
  • How have you designed, implemented, and managed Active Directory Certificate Services and Active Directory Federation Services in previous roles?
  • Can you discuss your approach to Active Directory security and access control?
• PowerShell Scripting:
  • Describe your PowerShell scripting experience, including automation and efficiency.
  • How have you used PowerShell to address technical issues at scale in previous roles?
  • Can you provide examples of your PowerShell scripting projects and their outcomes?

Company & Culture Questions:

• SpaceX Mission and Culture: How do you align with SpaceX's mission to make humanity an interplanetary species, and what aspects of SpaceX's culture appeal to you?
• Collaboration and Communication: Describe your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment, and how you've effectively communicated with team members, stakeholders, and other departments.
• Problem-Solving: Can you provide an example of a complex technical challenge you've faced in a previous role and how you addressed it? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Technical Deep Dive: Focus on your experience with Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting, highlighting your ability to design, implement, and support highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems.
• Behavioral Interview: Emphasize your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with SpaceX, demonstrating your commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Team Fit: Showcase your ability to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative team environment, and discuss your potential role within the Windows Infrastructure team and SpaceX as a whole.

📝 Enhancement Note: SpaceX's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the organization. A well-prepared and tailored portfolio, along with a strong understanding of the company's mission and values, will be crucial for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Windows Systems Engineer position at SpaceX:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience with Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting, emphasizing your ability to design, implement, and support highly-resilient, high-performance, and scalable Windows-based systems.
2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your technical expertise and problem-solving skills through relevant projects and case studies, focusing on your experience with Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting.
3. Research SpaceX: Familiarize yourself with SpaceX's mission, culture, and values, and be prepared to discuss how your technical skills and experience align with the company's goals.
4. Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your technical skills and prepare for SpaceX's technical interview process by practicing common Windows operating system engineering, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting questions.
5. Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions: Reflect on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with SpaceX, and be prepared to discuss your experiences and insights in a structured and compelling manner.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with SpaceX's hiring organization before making application decisions.