Software Engineer, Test Infrastructure (C/C++)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long‑term incentives

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3+ weeks vacation and 10+ holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer for the Test Infrastructure team in Hawthorne, CA. You will design, develop, and maintain our in-house testing ecosystem supporting flight software and hardware validation across all vehicle programs.

You will build core infrastructure, improve reliability and performance, and work with flight software engineers to implement new features. This role requires onsite work and offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math or a scientific discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with C/C++ and 1+ years with Python.
• Experience with UNIX-like OS and testing, CI, build, deployment & monitoring.
• Familiarity with telemetry-based software and performance profiling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain core test infrastructure framework and applications.
• Improve reliability, performance, and safety of test software and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with flight software engineers to add features and improve UX.
• Own all aspects of software engineering and product development for test infra.
• Analyze user problems to craft efficient testing solutions.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Unix/Linux

Docker

Kubernetes

Make

Bazel

Pip

NPM

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/ENG/Math or scientific discipline

2+ years of professional software experience in lieu of a degree

Tools

Make

Bazel

Docker

Kubernetes

Pip

NPM

Ansible

Puppet

LXC

PostgreSQL

Job description

Software Engineer, Test Infrastructure (C/C++)

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

As a Software Engineer on the test infrastructure team, you will design, develop, and maintain SpaceX’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.

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 SpaceX. SpaceX 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 SpaceX’s mission to Mars.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the core test infrastructure framework and applications used across SpaceX
• 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
• 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
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations under U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR).

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.

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, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑and‑long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may 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, carry‑over, and use requirements of the law.

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.