Software Engineer, Backend (Python/C++)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with experience in both Python and C++ working in aerospace and mission-critical systems.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in Python and C++ who are interested in aerospace and mission-critical systems development
    — “1+ years of experience with C/C++ and 1+ years of experience with Python”
  • Individuals who enjoy solving complex problems and working in high-stakes environments
    — “work well in dynamic environments and care about software best practices”
  • Candidates who have a background in telemetry software or AI tooling development
    — “Experience developing telemetry-based software and understanding of agentic workflows and utilizing AI to improve developer experience”

Things to consider

  • This role requires full-time onsite presence and may involve extended hours or weekends
    — “You may be asked to work extended hours/weekends dependent on launch cadence”
  • The position is restricted to U.S. citizens or those eligible for export authorizations
    — “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”

How to stand out

  • Demonstrate a history of building scalable and reliable software systems
    — “Improve reliability, performance, and safety of test software and infrastructure”
  • Showcase your ability to work across engineering groups and solve complex challenges
    — “work closely with flight software engineers and users across the company to develop new features and improve user experiences”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • develop and maintain the core test infrastructure framework
  • improve reliability, performance, and safety of test software and infrastructure
Typical background
software engineeringbackend development

Skills & requirements

Required

C++PythonTest InfrastructureSoftware TestingContinuous IntegrationAgentic WorkflowsAI Tooling

Preferred

AngularReactUnix-like Operating SystemsDockerKubernetesPostgreSQL

Stack & domain

PythonC++Telemetry-based SoftwareSoftware Systems DesignAngularReactTestingContinuous IntegrationBuildDeploymentMonitoringAgentic WorkflowsAIProfilingApplication PerformanceBuild SystemsPackage Management ToolsUnix-like Operating SystemsAnsiblePuppetDockerContainerdLXCKubernetesPostgreSQLSQL ServerProblem-solvingTeamworkSoftware Best PracticesDynamic EnvironmentsSpace ExplorationVehicle ProductionFlight SoftwareTest InfrastructureAI Tooling

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, BACKEND (PYTHON/C++)

As a Software Engineer on the test infrastructure team, you will design, develop, and maintain SpaceX’s in-house testing ecosystem that powers software and hardware test and validation across all flight systems. You will build and evolve the core test infrastructure framework and supporting applications used for production testing, integration testing, and high-fidelity simulations. The team is focused on building out SpaceXAI, improving SpaceX’s engineering capacity and capability through AI tooling.

This is a high-impact role where you will work across engineering groups to create reliable, scalable, and performant testing tools that accelerate vehicle production and flight software. Our testing software is critical to mission success for all vehicle programs at SpaceX. SpaceX is looking for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices.

Help us build world-class software that is critical to SpaceX’s mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and maintain the core test infrastructure framework and applications used across SpaceX

Improve reliability, performance, and safety of test software and infrastructure

Work closely with flight software engineers and users across the company to develop new features and improve user experiences

Own all aspects of software engineering and product development for test infrastructure

Deep dive into users’ problems to find and create efficient solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree

1+ years of experience with C/C++

1+ years of experience with Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience developing telemetry-based software

Expertise in designing software systems

Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework

Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & monitoring

Understanding of agentic workflows and utilizing AI to improve developer experience

Expertise in profiling and improving application performance

Experience with build systems (Make and Bazel preferred) and package management tools (pip, npm)

Experience with UNIX-like operating systems and tools like Ansible and Puppet for managing them

Production experience with Docker, Containerd, LXC, and/or Kubernetes

Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

You may be asked to work extended hours/weekends dependent on launch cadence

This role requires you to be onsite. Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  

Pay Range:     

Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year   

Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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