Software Engineer (Controls Software)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Software Engineer (Controls Software) to design, develop, and maintain software for test stands and launch infrastructure at Starbase. You will work across data acquisition, storage, and automation, partnering with electrical engineers, test engineers, and IT to deliver high-performance solutions.

The role emphasizes ownership, multi-disciplinary work with various programming languages, and a hands-on approach in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a science/engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of software development experience (internships allowed).
• Experience with software for data acquisition and control is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop software for data acquisition and control on test stands and launch infrastructure.
• Collaborate with electrical, test, and IT teams to implement computing and network solutions.
• Support active operations and resolve software issues in production environments.
• Own all aspects of software development including design, testing, and integration.
• Provide technical leadership and drive continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Skills

C++

Python

Data acquisition

Distributed systems

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math or related field

Tools

LabVIEW

NI hardware (cDAQ/cRIO/PXI)

Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (CONTROLS SOFTWARE)

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.

We are looking for a software engineer to join our Controls Software team at Starbase. This team designs, develops, tests, and maintains software used for test stand/launch infrastructure data acquisition and control, data post-processing, and other engineering software needs. The team works closely with test engineers, electrical engineers, other flight and ground software teams, and information technology to rapidly deploy high-performance software catering to unique test engineering requirements. This role is highly multi-disciplinary, will work in a variety of software languages, and will work closely with hardware. Your software will control rocket tests every day. 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Architect and develop software and systems for
  • Data acquisition and control for test stands
  • Data storage and analysis
  • Automation of engineering and business functions
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, test engineers, and IT to develop computing and network solutions for test stand data and control needs
• Support active operations when software issues are encountered
• Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and test stand integration
• Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement, and training

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other science discipline
• 1+ years of experience in software development (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with National Instruments hardware (cDAQ, cRIO, PXI) and software (LabVIEW)
• Proven skills and knowledge with C++, Python, or other text-based programming languages
• Proven experience in architecting, managing, and integrating large distributed systems
• Strong communication/mentorship skills and experience in technical leadership
• Examples of working directly with customers to gather requirements
• Experience with network communication
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require all work to be completed in the office
• Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

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/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 Affiative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].