Sr. Manager, Payroll

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. MANAGER, PAYROLL The Sr. Manager, Payroll 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. Payroll is centrally organized for SpaceX in the US, supporting over 25,000 employees.

This role will be supporting the Head of Payroll for SpaceX and will directly interact with the CFO and Corporate Controller. Significant growth potential is expected for this role.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build a world class payroll process for global employees

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-2sEnsure all monthly close payroll deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule

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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree
10+ years of professional experience in finance with 5+ years in payroll4+ years in a supervisory role managing direct reports PREFERRED

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in finance organizations of fast-moving entrepreneurial companies – “run it like you own it” mentality

Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, and compliance obligations

Hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate Software) and Workday Experience supporting international payroll operations

Excellent organizational and communication skills

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:
Sr. Manager, Payroll: $ - $/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  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…