Software Engineer, Backend (C/C++)

United States Digital Space LLC; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

3 weeks paid vacation

10+ paid holidays per year

Sick leave as per policy

Job summary

United States Digital Space is seeking a Software Engineer, Backend (C/C++) to design, develop, and maintain in-house testing infrastructure across flight programs. You’ll collaborate with flight software teams to add features, improve reliability, and accelerate vehicle production through scalable tooling.

The role emphasizes strong C/C++ and Python skills, plus experience with telemetry software, modern CI/CD practices, and container tech (Docker, Kubernetes).

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
• Experience developing telemetry-based software is a plus
• Expertise in designing software systems and improving performance
• Understanding of CI/CD, build, deployment & monitoring

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the core test infrastructure framework and applications used across the company
• 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

Skills

C/C++

Python

Telemetry-based software

Software design

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Make

Bazel

Ansible

Puppet

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, BACKEND (C/C++)

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

As a Software Engineer on the test infrastructure team, you will design, develop, and maintain the company’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 the company’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 the company. the company 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 the company’s mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain the core test infrastructure framework and applications used across the company


• 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 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 the company. 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 a401(k)retirementplan, 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Affinna Association Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].