Demo

External Affairs Manager

SpaceX
SpaceX Salary
Hawthorne, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/2/2026
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.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER

The External Affairs Manager will lead External Affairs for SpaceX and xAI in Hawthorne, CA for a variety of intersecting business functions, including local and state government relationships, community and business relations, and educational outreach. In this role, you will work with internal and external stakeholders to help ensure that SpaceX has a robust and continually growing relationship with the local community. The position requires the energy, initiative and dependability to produce results in support of SpaceX’s Community Relations strategic plan.

Responsibilities

  • Lead engagement with civic leaders across the designated region to support core SpaceX and xAI priorities
  • Develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships with local government officials, lawmakers, and regulatory decision-makers
  • Monitor and analyze local and regional policy developments
  • Perform research as needed, develop policy and collateral materials
  • Partner with the SpaceX Communications team to identify and support outreach and messaging opportunities
  • Support the director of Government Affairs with statewide government relations priorities as needed

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5 years of experience working in public affairs, including but not limited to state and local government policy, advocacy, government affairs, and/or legislative navigation and crisis/issue management

Preferred Skills And Experience

  • Experience and existing relationships with community leaders in Hawthorne, CA
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships across a variety of stakeholder groups and issue areas
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Demonstrated history of achieving definitive, measurable outcomes through political or community engagement
  • Experience working on issues directly related to corporate community relations
  • Knowledge of local government affairs practices
  • Passion for SpaceX's mission and goals

Additional Requirements

  • Must be willing to travel to support company priorities at onsite locations
  • Flexibility required including long hours and weekend work when necessary to support operations and critical project timelines
  • Must be willing to attend political and industry events on behalf of SpaceX and xAI
  • This role requires you to be onsite when you aren't traveling for work events/functions. Remote work or hybrid work will not be considered.

Pay Range

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Government Affairs Manager: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00/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 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.

Salary : $110,000 - $150,000

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