Software Engineer (Special Projects)

About the role

You will join the Falcon and Dragon Engineering organization to develop avionics software and firmware for next-generation flight systems. In this capacity, you will manage the full lifecycle of your code, ensuring that initial design concepts evolve into robust flight software through rigorous testing and operational support. You will act as a hands-on engineer, directly responsible for validating hardware behavior and integrating complex flight software components under strict mission timelines. Your analysis of bugs and test results will directly influence vehicle performance and reliability for critical space missions. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to translate evolving project requirements into efficient and maintainable software solutions. This role demands ownership of technical decisions from design through launch integration, requiring adaptability and a deep commitment to safety and quality. You will be expected to troubleshoot challenging issues in real-time during integration and test campaigns, providing direct support to meet launch objectives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop software and firmware for micro-controllers and processors used in demanding aerospace environments.
• Validate and bring up hardware systems designed for space flight, ensuring they meet stringent performance criteria.
• Perform hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware and software to resolve emergent issues.
• Investigate bugs and analyze complex test results to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Provide critical support for launch operations, ensuring software readiness and stability under time pressure.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to meet evolving project requirements and integrate diverse technical inputs.
• Design and implement software components that interface directly with sensors, actuators, and control systems.
• Conduct detailed code reviews and testing to maintain high standards of software quality and reliability.
• Optimize firmware for performance, memory usage, and power efficiency within constrained hardware platforms.
• Document software architectures and processes to support long-term maintainability and knowledge transfer.
• Participate in on-call rotations to address urgent software issues during critical test and launch windows.
• Apply creative problem-solving to overcome technical barriers and enable mission success.
• Work with version control and software configuration management tools to manage evolving codebates.
• Support the development of test procedures and validation plans to verify software functionality.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in computer science, engineering, physics, math, data science, or a related scientific field; OR possess 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Demonstrate 1+ year of experience writing software in C or C++ in a professional setting.
• Maintain an active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance to access classified information.
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements for restricted work.
• Exhibit availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet mission deadlines and critical milestones.
• Show the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance, which is essential for role execution.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where adaptability and resilience are required to handle evolving priorities.
• Work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Apply attention to detail and analytical thinking to diagnose complex software and hardware interactions.
• Commit to following strict development processes and quality standards that ensure mission reliability.
• Willingness to travel to various site locations as required for project support and integration activities.
• Capability to handle sensitive mission information with discretion and professionalism.
• Preparedness to engage in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing as part of employment conditions.

Nice to have

• Experience with microcontroller development and firmware debugging techniques.
• Proficiency in C++ software engineering fundamentals, including object-oriented design and templates.
• Knowledge of computer architecture, instruction sets, and networking protocols used in aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers and their application in embedded control systems.
• Understanding of Linux operating systems and bash shell scripting for automation and testing.
• Experience with verification methodologies and testing frameworks for software validation.
• Commitment to high-standard development processes, including coding standards and documentation practices.
• Exposure to real-time operating systems and interrupt-driven programming models.
• Skills in using debugging tools, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes for hardware/software integration.
• Basic understanding of flight software architecture and data handling in aerospace applications.

Practical notes

• Salary ranges: Level 1 ($125,000 - $150,000) and Level 2 ($145,000 - $175,000).
• Active clearance holders receive a 10% differential (up to $20,000 annually) upon briefing into a classified program.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Eligibility for stock awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employment requires obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance; failure to secure this may result in termination.
• Roles involving sensitive missions are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.