Software Engineer (Components)

The Components Team develops and manufactures the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our engineers serve as software and hardware experts for the flow control devices, avionics, and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our Starship, Raptor, Dragon and Falcon vehicles - from engine throttling to attitude control and more. We design and build avionics, valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F, pressures beyond 10,000 psig, and actuators above 2,000,000 Newtons.

The Components Engineering Software Team is a diverse set of software engineers who write Test Software, Factory Automation Software, Hardware Drivers, Web Interfaces, and Firmware which enable advanced component testing, hardware manufacturing, and analysis.

As a Software Engineer on the Components Engineering team, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop across multiple software fields and technologies as well as cross disciplinarily with multiple hardware teams. You will be expected to create novel, robust software from the ground up which enables testing, analysis, and production of rocket components.

We are looking for people who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate in our software.

• →Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
• →Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• →Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
• →Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
• →Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
• →Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years of software programming experience using Python, C, or similar. Time spent in school and on individual projects is acceptable experience

• Computer science degree
• Proven proficiency in software knowledge
• Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
• Experience with configuration management and version control software
• Experience with continuous integration and agile development
• Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
• Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains
• Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Experience with spacecraft fluid systems
• Experience with high power electrical systems
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems
• Experience with embedded hardware product development

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

• 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.