Software Engineer, High Assurance Test (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Software Engineer for the High Assurance Test in Starshield. In this role, you will develop and execute advanced testing strategies to ensure cryptographic security across systems. This key position involves designing test frameworks and collaborating with various engineering teams.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in Python and experience with software infrastructure. Comprehensive benefits and competitive pay range between $125,000 and $150,000 are offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or 2+ years of software development experience.
• Development experience in C, C++, Rust, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop reusable test and automation software in Python for verification.
• Write automation software for flight hardware and test equipment.
• Analyze complex test data for acceptance criteria.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Experience in Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline

Tools

Linux operating systems

Version control software

Continuous integration tools

Job description

Software Engineer, High Assurance Test (Starshield)

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.

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, focusing on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a High Assurance Test Engineer on Starshield, you will design, build, and execute advanced testing strategies for an in‑house solution supporting cryptographic security and verification across all Starshield flight systems. You will have full ownership of new test frameworks, automation tools, and validation capabilities in a scalable high‑performance application used to verify, harden, and control flight‑critical systems. This is a high‑impact role where you will collaborate across engineering groups to develop high‑assurance cryptographic testing infrastructure that dramatically accelerates software and hardware development cycles.

Testing is a fundamental quality check and the last line of defense before our products are installed for flight. As a Software Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop test software infrastructure that will validate the performance of these components in a cross‑disciplinary environment. You will be expected to create new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up including hardware, software, and the interface between the two.

We are looking for people who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate in our testing approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
• Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
• Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production
• Design, implement, document, and execute security verification tests in the presence of regulatory bodies and certifying authorities

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C, C++, Rust, or Python

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to clearly communicate complex topics to diverse audiences
• Extensive knowledge of Linux operating systems
• Experience with configuration management and version control software
• Experience with continuous integration and agile development
• Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
• Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience interacting with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog‑to‑digital conversion
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Experience with embedded hardware product development

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.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: Level 1: $125,000 - $150,000. Level 2: $145,000 - $175,000.

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.

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 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 U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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]