Software Engineer, Backend (Python/C++)

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the in-house test infrastructure framework and applications supporting production testing, integration testing, and high-fidelity simulations across flight systems. The role will collaborate with engineering teams to build reliable, scalable, and performant testing tools and improve developer and user experiences through AI tooling.

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

Preferred

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

Telemetry-Based Software Development

Software System Design

Front-End Development

Angular

React

JavaScript Frameworks

Software Testing

Continuous Integration

Build Automation

Software Deployment

Application Monitoring

Agentic Workflows

AI-Enhanced Developer Experience

Application Profiling

Performance Optimization

Build Systems

Make

Bazel

Package Management

pip

npm

UNIX-Like Operating Systems

Ansible

Puppet

Container Technologies

Docker

containerd

LXC

Kubernetes

Database Technologies

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

Benefits

Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards

Potential discretionary bonuses

Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Various other discounts and perks

3 weeks of paid vacation

10 or more paid holidays per year

Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy

Company

Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft

Hawthorne, California, USA

https://www.spacex.com/

Founded in 2002

1001-5000 employees

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

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

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

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

Required skills

C/C++, Python, Telemetry-Based Software, Software Systems Design, Angular/React, Testing and Continuous Integration, Application Performance Optimization, Docker/Kubernetes, PostgreSQL/SQL Server

Preferred skills

Experience developing telemetry-based software, Expertise in designing software systems, Expertise in profiling and improving application performance

Experience

2+ years