Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is looking for a Lead Software Engineer to join the Application Software team in Brownsville, Texas. In this role, you will manage and guide a team of software engineers, focusing on designing mission-critical applications that enhance launch vehicle production and support the growth of the Starlink network.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field and have at least 3 years of software development experience. SpaceX values collaborative problem solvers who align with their mission of advancing human exploration in space.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of software development experience or 6+ years in lieu of a degree.
• Experience leading software teams or projects.
• 1+ years of experience with object-oriented programming.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of software engineers.
• Own system roadmap including implementation and delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and focus on continuous improvement.

Skills

Object-oriented programming

Team leadership

Collaboration

Software development

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Python

C#

.NET

PostgreSQL

Angular

React

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER, APPLICATION SOFTWARE (MANUFACTURING)

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX – we create mission‑critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service.

Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship as well as designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink. Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always‑on assets to manage the world’s largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

As a Lead Software Engineer on the Application Software team, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of highly skilled engineers both from a technical and personnel development perspective.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly manage a team of software engineers
• Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of a system roadmap
• Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goalsDevelop highly reliable and available software systems
• Maintain highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
• Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure success for SpaceX

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 3+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
• 1+ years of experience with object‑oriented programming
• 1+ years of experience with leading software teams or projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java, or similar object‑oriented language
• Front‑end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
• Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
• 4+ years of experience building single‑page web applications
• Expertise in designing software systems
• Expertise in testing and infrastructure
• Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
• Domain expertise in manufacturing systems
• Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
• Able to collaborate across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers and managers, including networking and working in a team development environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel when needed

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 or 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 or interview process should reach out to [e-mail].