Software Engineer, Test Infrastructure

About the role

In this position, you will be responsible for the design and ongoing maintenance of the internal testing ecosystem that is crucial for validating both hardware and software across all SpaceX flight systems. Your work will focus on developing the foundational infrastructure necessary for production testing, integration, and high-fidelity simulations, all aimed at ensuring mission success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and enhance the core framework for test infrastructure along with the necessary supporting applications.
• Focus on improving the performance, safety, and reliability of various testing tools utilized within the organization.
• Work closely with flight software engineers to identify user requirements and implement new functionalities that meet those needs.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle related to test infrastructure, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
• Conduct thorough analyses of user challenges to create efficient and scalable software solutions tailored to the testing environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate testing tools into the broader software ecosystem.
• Participate in code reviews and maintain high standards of software quality through best practices.
• Document processes, tools, and methodologies to ensure knowledge sharing and continuity within the team.
• Engage in troubleshooting and debugging of testing tools to enhance operational efficiency.
• Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve the test infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development of automated testing frameworks that enhance the overall testing process.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning and growth within the team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related scientific field; or at least 2 years of professional experience in software development.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with C/C++.
• At least 1 year of experience in Python programming.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite in Hawthorne, CA.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey technical concepts.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with telemetry-based software and system design principles.
• Experience in front-end development using frameworks like React, Angular, or similar technologies.
• Understanding of continuous integration, deployment, monitoring, and build pipeline practices.
• Knowledge of agentic workflows and AI-driven developer tools.
• Skills in application performance profiling to optimize software efficiency.
• Experience with build tools such as Bazel, Make, pip, and npm.
• Comfort with UNIX-like operating systems and configuration management tools like Puppet and Ansible.
• Hands-on experience with containerization technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, LXC, or Containerd.
• Proficiency in database management systems like SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or similar platforms.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in C/C++, Python, SQL, React, Angular, Bazel, Make, Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and Puppet.

Practical notes

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Salary: Depending on experience, the compensation for this role ranges from $125,000 to $150,000 for Level I, and $145,000 to $175,000 for Level II.

• Benefits: The compensation package includes company stock, stock options, cash awards, bonuses, a 401(k) plan, comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten holidays throughout the year.
• ITAR compliance: Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to be eligible for this position.
• Schedule: Flexibility is required, as extended hours or weekend work may be necessary depending on launch schedules and project demands.

Join SpaceX and contribute to the future of space exploration by ensuring the reliability and performance of our testing infrastructure!

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.