Software Engineer, Test Engineering and Operations

Starlink; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer for Test Engineering and Operations in Hawthorne, CA. You will design, develop, and improve software that keeps vehicle and spacecraft checkout, testing, and flight readiness running smoothly.

The role bridges hardware and manufacturing operations, enabling scalable, data‑driven results. You will own full software lifecycles from development to deployment, collaborating with engineers to rapidly learn, apply engineering judgment, and deliver reliable,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or scientific discipline or 1+ years’ professional OO-language coding experience.
• Minimum of 1+ years of professional software development experience with Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, streamline, and troubleshoot Python-based analysis tools and data pipelines for hardware checkout and test operations.
• Interface software with physical systems and instrumentation (e.g., RTDs, pressure transducers).
• Implement CI/CD pipelines and deploy software in Linux environments.
• Refactor and automate to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Create interdisciplinary software solutions that reduce recurring tasks and risk in hazardous operations.
• Follow object‑oriented design for scalable, secure software and learn new technologies as needed.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews in a dynamic team.

Skills

Python

Linux

Education

Bachelors degree in engineering/math/science

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

Linux environments

Networking concepts

SQL / Databases

Job description

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, TEST ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS

We are seeking a Software Engineer with strong professional Python and Linux experience to design, develop, and continuously improve software that keeps vehicles and spacecraft buildable, testable, and flyable. This role sits between physical hardware (flight sensors, instrumentation, and checkout equipment) and test and manufacturing operations. You will wrangle large amounts of data and use modern deployment practices to streamline hardware checkout and quality control, simplify test operations, ensure procedure traceability, and reduce recurring operational risk.

As a Software Engineer on the Test Engineering and Operations team, you will drive continuous improvement while eliminating recurring engineering and operational tasks. You will work directly with SpaceX engineers to discover their needs, rapidly learn new technologies and domains, and apply engineering judgment to build highly reliable, data-driven software. You will own the complete lifecycle of the software you create, including development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support. You are the engineer other engineers can count on: technical, proactive, and focused on solving tomorrow’s problems today.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, maintain, streamline, and troubleshoot Python-based analysis tools, data pipelines, enterprise applications, automated tests, and software systems that support hardware checkout, test operations, and vehicle processing
• Design, implement, and deploy reliable software that interface with physical systems and instrumentation (such as resistance temperature detectors, pressure transducers, and other sensors)
• Design, develop, review, and deploy software using modern continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines and Linux environments
• Evaluate existing tools and processes and implement more efficient, scalable, and reliable approaches, including refactoring and automation
• Create interdisciplinary software solutions that optimize engineering time, eliminate recurring tasks, streamline workflows, and reduce risk for hazardous operations
• Develop sustainable, scalable, and secure software systems following object-oriented principles while rapidly learning and integrating new technologies as needed
• Participate and provide meaningful feedback in architecture, design, and code reviews in a dynamic environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or scientific discipline OR 1+ years' professional experience coding in an object-oriented language (including internships, design/build/compete project teams)
• Minimum of 1+ years of professional software development experience with Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, wrangle data, and deliver reliable solutions in dynamic and uncertain environments
• Familiarity with physical systems and hardware such as RTDs, pressure transducers, and other common aerospace instrumentation
• Strong skills in developing strategies to collect and use large amounts of data for efficiency and reliability improvements (e.g. SQL, databases, and related tools)
• Familiar with CI/CD pipelines and deployment systems
• Experience working in Linux environments, including shell scripting, system administration, and deploying applications on Linux-based systems
• Familiar with networking technology, concepts, protocols, and infrastructure
• Strong competency in software development practices including testing, continuous integration, and modern deployment workflows
• Ability to quickly and competently pick up new skills and develop expertise in unfamiliar domains
• Ability to thrive in uncertain, dynamic, and high- pressure environments with rapidly changing needs and requirements
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and writing reliable, testable code
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks while maintaining an ongoing drive for continuous improvement
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, customers, and management
• Able to work effectively in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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.

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.

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