Principal Software Engineer

About the role

SpaceX is on the lookout for a Principal Software Engineer to take the helm of the Platform Team, which is responsible for developing the essential AI tools and security frameworks utilized throughout the organization. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in defining the technical roadmap for systems that enable engineers to enhance their coding efficiency, analyze data effectively, and deploy AI-driven solutions on a large scale. The technology stack currently in use includes Docker containers that serve as secure gateways and proxies, facilitating connections to various cloud computing services and advanced model providers.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Establish and implement a long-term vision for the AI platform and its security infrastructure, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Take ownership of the strategy, design, execution, and organization-wide deployment of significant initiatives that impact the company.
• Oversee the integration of advanced models, expansion of large-scale computing resources, and optimization of proxy systems for enhanced logging, security, and control measures.
• Promote the adoption of AI-centric workflows by setting standards, mentoring senior engineers, and developing reusable software components.
• Identify and capitalize on high-value opportunities to transform innovative ideas into production-ready software, trained models, and automated systems.
• Develop and expand risk-mitigation tools, including AI code review systems and automated pull request assistants.
• Define and advocate for best practices in lean, secure, and effective applications of AI throughout the organization.
• Provide strategic advice to leadership and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that platform capabilities align with the company's objectives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related engineering discipline, along with 7 or more years of experience in building and scaling production platforms; alternatively, 9 or more years of relevant experience without a degree.
• Proven hands-on experience in designing and managing large-scale AI/ML platforms, internal developer platforms, or critical infrastructure systems.

Nice to have

• A strong track record in architecting and scaling AI gateways, secure proxy layers, or enterprise MLOps platforms that serve a substantial user base.
• In-depth expertise in Docker, Kubernetes, zero-trust security frameworks, and integrations with multi-cloud or advanced model systems.
• A solid background in MLOps, distributed computing, model lifecycle management, and the creation of observable, reliable systems.
• Experience in driving significant organizational impact through technical leadership, mentoring, and collaborative platform development.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the capability to identify and implement transformative solutions.
• Proficiency in Python and a broad understanding of modern programming languages and tools.
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code practices and advanced observability techniques.
• A keen interest in responsible AI, enhancing developer productivity, and translating engineering expertise into large-scale automation.

Skills & tools

• Docker, Kubernetes
• Python
• MLOps and model lifecycle management
• Infrastructure-as-code
• Zero-trust security architecture
• Multi-cloud and advanced model integrations
• Observability and logging systems

Practical notes

• ITAR compliance: Candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process may reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

This position at SpaceX offers a unique opportunity to lead innovative projects that have the potential to shape the future of aerospace technology. If you are passionate about AI and security infrastructure and are looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to revolutionize space travel and exploration.

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.