Sr. Software Engineer (Data Science/Data Engineering)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Data Science/Data Engineering) to develop scalable data analytics libraries and pipelines, powering rocket launches and Starlink analytics. You will own end-to-end software delivery, collaborate across teams, and build prototypes to validate design decisions.

Strong background in data engineering or data science, ML methods, and full-stack development is required, with leadership in architecture and reviews. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; 5+ years of professional software development experience
• 3+ years of professional experience in full-stack development
• 3+ years of experience in data engineering or data science

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and scalable data analysis libraries, systems, and data pipelines to empower engineers across SpaceX
• Create new applications that improve how the business at SpaceX operates
• Collaborate with peers on architecture, design, and code reviews
• Build prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Own all aspects of software engineering and product development
• Deep dive into engineering problems and coordinate with domain experts

Job description

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER (DATA SCIENCE/DATA ENGINEERING)

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.

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX – we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flights as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable internet service. We are looking for engineers who treat fellow teammates with fairness, respect, and support.

Our team is creating systems to analyze data from events like rocket launches or factory production workloads to always‑on telemetry from the Starlink satellite constellation with point‑in‑time analysis, historical analysis and machine learning. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

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. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and scalable data analysis libraries, systems, and data pipelines, to empower engineers across SpaceX
• Create new applications that improve how the business at SpaceX operates
• Collaborate with peers on architecture, design, and code reviews
• Build prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Own all aspects of software engineering and product development
• Deep dive into engineering problems and involve in corporation/coordination with domain experts

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
• 3+ years of professional experience in full‑stack development

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 3+ years of professional experience in data engineering or data science
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience applying ML techniques (ex: CNNs, RNNs) to datasets
• Programming experience in Python, C#, or similar languages
• Experience working with data analysis libraries such as Python Pandas
• Experience with machine learning libraries like SciPy and PyTorch
• Experience with data exploration tools like Grafana, Jupyter Notebooks, Metabase, PowerBI or similar
• Experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL
• Experience applying computer vision libraries such as OpenCV and Ultralytics to real‑world problems
• Good understanding of machine learning algorithms, linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics, and optimization methods
• Good understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment and monitoring
• Some front‑end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework

Additional Requirements

• You may be asked to work extended hours/weekends dependent on launch cadence
• Must be willing to travel when needed

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 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].