Sr. Software Engineer (Special Projects) - Top Secret Clearance

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock purchase options

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP seeks a Sr. Software Engineer in Hawthorne, CA, to design avionics software and firmware on the Special Projects team. This role requires a Top Secret clearance and offers competitive pay ranging from $165,000 to $230,000 annually.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in software development with C++, solid knowledge of computer architecture, and development experience with microcontrollers. Additional perks include comprehensive medical coverage, paid vacation, and stock purchase options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.
• Strong foundational knowledge of computer architecture and networks.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware for processors and micro-controllers.
• Support launch operations and analyze test results.
• Collaborate with peers and validate devices for space communication.

Skills

Software engineering fundamentals in C++

Development experience with microcontrollers

Linux and bash shell scripting

Excellent communication skills

Education

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

Tools

NXP microcontrollers

Job description

Sr. Software Engineer (Special Projects) - 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.

As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Special Projects team of the Falcon and Dragon Engineering organization, you will design and implement software and firmware for the next generation of avionics systems at SpaceX. You will be responsible for ensuring your system behaves as expected and troubleshoot when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch SpaceX systems frequently, safely, and reliably.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we’re looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers. Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high‑quality software and firmware for common processors and micro‑controllers.
• Support launch operations.
• Collaborate with peers and customers.
• Bring up and validate devices that communicate‑to and fly‑in space.
• Analyze test results and bugs which require in‑depth investigations.
• Hands‑on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems.
• Work in a dynamic environment with changing needs, requirements, and challenges.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in writing software in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages.
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Development experience with microcontrollers.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++.
• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks.
• Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers.
• Commitment to high standard of software development, including adherence to software process and best practices.
• Linux and bash shell scripting.
• Understanding of verification methodologies.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines.
• 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.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI with Polygraph. Note that 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 testing.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $165,000.00 – $230,000.00 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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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.

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.