Software Engineer, HITL - Top Secret Clearance

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

3 weeks paid vacation

10+ paid holidays

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer in Special Programs to design, develop, and test an in-house HITL/HOOTL analysis, simulation, and prototyping solution for flight systems. You will own new features in a scalable, high-performance application and collaborate across engineering groups to accelerate development and demonstrations of cutting‑edge software and hardware.

The role emphasizes strong software design, full‑stack production web capabilities, and experience with automation, CI/CD, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or an engineering discipline
• 1+ year of experience in software development, developing applications in languages such as Python, C++, or Java
• Experience with automated testing of hardware in the loop (HITL) or hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software
• Experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated testing for hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software to ensure that deliverables meet target design criteria and operate within technical constraints
• Develop full-stack solutions to manage automated testing of vehicle subsystems leveraging simulation and flight software
• Contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure
• Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settling for the status quo

Skills

Python

C++

Java

HITL/HOOTL testing

CI/CD

Full-stack development

Docker

Kubernetes

Linux/Unix

Postgres/MySQL/Oracle

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Math/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

Bamboo

Ansible

Grafana

Elasticsearch

Postgres

MySQL

Oracle

Job description

Software Engineer, HITL - 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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HITL - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of new features in a scalable, high-performance application used to control and test 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:

• Design and implement automated testing for hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software to ensure that deliverables meet target design criteria and operate within technical constraints
• Develop full-stack solutions to manage automated testing of vehicle subsystems leveraging simulation and flight software
• Contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure
• Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settling for the status quo

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or an engineering discipline
• 1+ year of experience insoftware development, developing applications in languages such as Python, C++, or Java
• Experience with automated testing of hardware in the loop (HITL) or hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software
• Experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong software design and development skills
• Professional experience in full-stack development of production web applications
• Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, and Jenkins
• Familiar with monitoring tools such as Grafana or Elasticsearch
• Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
• Experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle
• 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
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

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.
• 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
• Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range: Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00 Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00

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.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

• 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 Aff…? Should reach out [e-mail].