Lead Software Engineer, Flight Systems - Top Secret Clearance

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Hawthorne, CA, is looking for a Lead Software Engineer for flight systems to develop and test high-performance applications that support orbital flight systems. This role requires 5+ years of software development experience in C++ and Python, along with leadership skills. Successful candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and an active Top Secret clearance. The position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 to $225,000 annually, plus comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and stock options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development.
• Experience with electrical or mechanical systems.
• 1+ years of professional leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the delivery of simulation and flight software.
• Manage performance evaluations of the team.
• Ensure adherence to software development processes.

Skills

C++

Python

Automation software

Debugging

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Linux

Jenkins

Job description

Lead Software Engineer, Flight Systems - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA

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.

As a Lead Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will lead a team of software engineers to design, develop, and test key aspects of an in‑house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of the direction and delivery of scalable, high‑performance applications used to control and test orbital flight systems. This is a high‑impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high‑assurance system that accelerates the development and demonstration of cutting‑edge software and hardware.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices. Our software is critical to future mission successes, and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting‑edge solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the outcomes and delivery of a software engineering team developing simulation and flight software, automated testing of vehicle subsystems and supporting ground software
• Manage technical results, performance evaluations, and professional growth for all your reports
• Develop and maintain a roadmap with clear, achievable short-term and long-term goals
• Foster a culture of excellence, emphasizing high-quality work, peer support, and cross-functional collaboration
• Identify and eliminate roadblocks, empower team ownership, and motivate individuals to succeed
• Lead architecture discussions, design decisions, and code reviews
• Ensure adherence to software development processes and industry best practices
• Oversee all phases of software development, from design and implementation to testing, mission integration, and operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
• 5+ years of experience in software development, developing applications in C++ and Python
• 3+ years of experience with developing and testing automation software for electrical or mechanical systems
• 1+ years of professional leadership experience
• Active Top‑Secret, Top‑Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Expert knowledge of C++ and Python
• Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, high-quality software
• Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, motor design, and physical mechanisms
• Automation software experience within electrical or mechanical flight, automotive, or robotics systems
• Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, or Jenkins
• Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, data throughput analysis, and unit testing
• Strong creative and innovative problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting to changing needs and requirements
• Able to work well in an integrated engineering environment, including frequent interactions with engineers and managers of other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol test
• Must be willing to travel (approximately 10%) to other SpaceX locations, as necessary
• Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range: Lead Software Engineer: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company 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].