Payroll Manager

spacex· Finance
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📍 Hawthorne, CA

About this role

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.

PAYROLL MANAGER

The payroll manager is a key member of the finance team and plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations for our rapidly growing workforce. This position combines hands-on payroll expertise with strategic process improvement, SOX compliance, and audit management in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support SOX requirements for all US payroll, including control documentation, testing, monitoring, and remediation
  • Lead internal and external audits related to payroll, serving as the primary point of contact
  • Identify and drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and internal control enhancements
  • Develop and maintain documentation of current payroll processes and procedures for both US and Global entities
  • Support payroll-related projects, including system implementations, integrations, and process transformations
  • Assist with end-to-end payroll processing for all US employees on a weekly and biweekly basis, including exempt, non-exempt, and equity compensation
  • Support annual payroll compliance reporting for the US, including the preparation, review, and audit of W-2s
  • Ensure all monthly close payroll deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 6+ years of professional experience in payroll

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience working in finance organizations of fast-moving entrepreneurial companies
  • Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, and compliance obligations
  • Hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate Software) and Workday
  • Familiarity with US GAAP and the accounting treatment of payroll, equity compensation, and related items
  • Experience supporting international payroll operations
  • Demonstrated expertise in SOX compliance and internal control frameworks

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
  • This position is based in Hawthorne, CA, and requires being onsite - remote/hybrid will not be considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: 
Payroll Manager: $135,000.00 - $185,000.00/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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Payroll Manager position at spacex?
The salary for this Payroll Manager role at spacex is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Payroll Manager position at spacex located?
This Payroll Manager role at spacex is based in Hawthorne, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Payroll Manager at spacex belong to?
This Payroll Manager position is part of the Finance department at spacex. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Payroll Manager position at spacex?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to spacex's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Payroll Manager job at spacex posted?
This Payroll Manager position at spacex was posted on May 11, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Payroll Manager
spacex
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