Backend Systems Engineer (Python/C++) – Test Infra & AI

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer, Backend (Python/C++) to design, develop, and maintain the in-house testing ecosystem that powers software and hardware test and validation across all flight systems.

You will build the core test infrastructure, improve reliability, performance, and safety, and work with engineers to deliver new features that enhance the testing experience. This high-impact role supports SpaceX mission-critical vehicle programs and requires onsite work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math or 2+ years of software experience in lieu of degree.
• 1+ years of experience with C/C++.
• 1+ years of experience with Python.

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.

Skills

C/C++

Python

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Make/Bazel

Docker

Kubernetes

Pip/NPM

Ansible/Puppet

PostgreSQL/SQL Server

Job description

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 ofenabling 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
• 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 bedeterminedon 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 topurchaseadditionalstock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a401(k)retirementplan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts andperks. You may alsoaccrue3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employeesaccruepaid sick leavepursuant toCompany policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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 [e-mail] .

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here .

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For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

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