Telecommunications Partnership Manager (Starlink Mobile) at Spacex

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. TELECOMMUNICATIONS PARTNERSHIP MANAGER (STARLINK MOBILE) SpaceX is developing a new satellite-to-mobile network to bring ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with telecommunication companies around the world to bring this service directly from satellites to mobile phones, with the goal of providing coverage anywhere a phone can see the sky. More than 20% of the United States and 90% of the Earth remain uncovered by existing wireless networks. Starlink was designed to connect the disconnected, and this new product will greatly expand that mission by extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Applications include connecting hikers in national parks, emergency responders, rural communities, remote sensors, and people in emergency situations. In this role, you will support partnership and sales goals while collaborating with stakeholders across engineering, business, and regulatory teams. The Partnerships Manager requires strong analytical skills to help drive customer adoption, contribute to new business models, and support accurate deployment forecasting. Success will require systems thinking, creativity, and excellent communication skills. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the cutting edge of satellite connectivity with a world-class team. Responsibilities • Support, develop, and drive technology partnerships (modem, mobile OEM, IoT, and test equipment) for Starlink Mobile. Partnership responsibilities include system interoperability management, commercial agreements, regulatory compliance, and marketing activities. • Develop and maintain certification roadmaps, procedures, and timelines aligned with product development cycles. • Produce system documentation and roadmaps for both internal and external consumption, reaching executive levels at partner organizations. • Support development of Technical Requirements Documentation that capture all interoperability aspects required for technology partners building products that access the Starlink Mobile network. • Coordinate with internal engineering, RF, protocol, and regulatory teams to ensure partner products meet all conformance requirements. • Manage certification testing campaigns, including scheduling with accredited test labs, resolution of test failures, root-cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions. • Track and report certification status, risks, budget, and key metrics to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. • Monitor regulatory and standards requirements (3GPP Releases 17 and beyond), engaging relevant team stakeholders, and determining when necessary, the demand for translating them into clear, actionable compliance strategies. • Lead end-to-end device certification programs for cellular, IoT, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) user equipment across global regulatory and industry certification bodies (e.g., GCF, PTCRB, FCC, ISED, and carrier-specific requirements). Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (e.g., engineering, physics, math, computer science, or information technology); OR 5+ years of professional experience in; partnership management, technical account management or sales/pre-sales engineering • 3+ years of experience in partnership management, technical account management or sales/pre-sales engineering • 2+ years of experience working in the telecommunications industry Preferred Skills and Experience • 3+ years of experience in technical partnerships, technical sales, or technical engineering roles. • Experience with UE (Users Equipment) testing • Desire to be customer-facing and build strong, long-term partner relationships. • Experience with NTN and satellite-based telecommunications is highly desirable. • Demonstrated success managing device certification programs for complex wireless products (smartphones, modules, IoT devices, or base stations). • Proven track record of building and managing industry partnerships with major OEMs and certification ecosystems. • Strong interest in assessing market trends and identifying future business opportunities. • Deep understanding or direct experience with 3GPP RAN5 specifications, test procedures, and conformance requirements (NR and NR-NTN). • Experience at a fast-growing technology startup is a plus. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed. • Willingness to travel to other SpaceX offices, vendors, and customers (up to 40% travel). COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Partnerships 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, 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal 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 [Upgrade to PRO to see contact].