Space Exploration Technologies

Lead Graphic Designer, Merchandising & Events

Space Exploration Technologies · Hawthorne, CA
Hawthorne, CA $115K–$160K Posted 2026-09-01
Salary
$115K–$160K
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yr

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.

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER, MERCHANDISING AND EVENTS

This role is responsible for leading the design and development of merchandise and events at SpaceX. The merchandise will be sold through our online store including, but not limited to apparel, mission patches, soft goods, tech items and other curated products. The events will range across all brands, designing all invites, collateral, menus and content. This role will work closely with our engineers and cross-functional departments to deliver designs that meet customers and employee’s needs. This is a unique opportunity to join a team bringing new ideas and designs to SpaceX, while contributing to the overall mission to excite the public about space travel and make life multiplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Collaborate with the merchandise team to design new products, using key company milestones to inform design strategy.
  • Design customer gifting items, including but not limited to mission patches, signing gifts, product for conferences and event-specific gifts.
  • Own the product design process from initial design to production hand off, ensuring new products meet deadlines for product release dates.
  • Work closely with the customer team to design and create company mission patches and provide multiple file types for varying use cases.
  • Design and maintain tech packs, fit charts, color standards, and fabric specifications.
  • Work with the website design team to enhance and refine our merchandise online store.
  • Assist in developing and producing graphics, typography, and layouts for social, web, and print.
  • Effectively manage multiple projects/tasks of varying complexities, meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
  • Prepare designs for final production, including, but not limited to, printer and vendor specs.
  • Be a key stakeholder in the development of the brand’s identity through merchandising.
  • Work alongside the team on Marketing efforts as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in design or artistic field.
  • 5+ years of professional design experience in illustration, graphic design, or print production.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 8+ years of experience working in product, graphic, and merchandise design.
  • Impressive design portfolio including merchandise and graphic designs.
  • Highly organized, detail oriented and possess a proven ability to thrive under deadline pressure and to execute on several projects simultaneously.
  • Successful experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic, results-oriented team environment.
  • Advanced knowledge using graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (including, but not limited to InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator).
  • Strong communication skills both verbal and written, strong cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to influence in front of key stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated track record of successful design and integration, assimilating design feedback, and the delivery of projects on time.
  • Strong aptitude for trend and design; exceptional design aesthetic and experience working with a fashion/apparel brand preferred.
  • Experience retouching images for both digital and print.
  • Ability to respond to business objectives with creative, original and cost-effective design solutions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed, with occasional travel to events.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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] .

$80K — 10th pctl $230K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $137K vs. market median $150K for Design roles
-10%
below median
Based on 2,000+ Design roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
SpaceX

SpaceX

Aerospace · Private · Starbase, USA

Stage & Valuation
Private · $350B
Key Investors
Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital
Open roles on NewJob
Most hiring in
Engineering (206) · Operations (117) · Finance (19)
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, with the goal of enabling human life on Mars. The company operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, and the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
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