Sr. Software Engineer (Ground Segment)

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.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER GROUND SEGMENT 

The SpaceX Ground Segment team is responsible for mission-critical space-to-ground communications and tracking of our Falcon and Dragon vehicles. We design, build, and operate an Earth ground station network, including launch site and recovery RF communications and optical tracking. For NASA missions, the team is responsible for NASA mission control interfaces, including command, telemetry, voice, and video.

As a software engineer on the Ground Segment team, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing the software that is used to control SpaceX communications and tracking assets for Falcon and Dragon. You will develop projects through their full product life cycle. You will have the opportunity to work alongside operators in Mission Control. You will demonstrate extreme ownership of this software through a deep understanding of system requirements and interfaces while pushing to meet aggressive timelines. You will also closely collaborate with other disciplines and think at a system level to ensure a high level of reliability for mission-critical tracking and data on systems that include ones used in support of human spaceflight.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, test, and integrate highly reliable software systems that run on both commercial and SpaceX-developed hardware
• Develop continuous integration and testing systems in order to confidently deploy new software to a production environment
• Develop prototypes to evaluate new designs and hardware and provide quantitative analysis for decision-making
• Partner with avionics, flight operators, GNC, and other stakeholders to identify and execute software solutions
• Perform post-operation data analysis to evaluate system performance and inform continuous improvement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 5+ years of experience in software development; OR 10+ years of experience in software development
• 5+ years of experience in Python or C++
• 5+ years of experience working in a Linux environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of experience with spacecraft, ground station, or other communication system operations
• 5+ years of project or industry experience with RF, controls, spacecraft, and/or communications systems
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications/projects
• Experience working on technical teams in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP, etc)
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, math, engineering, and physics
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Creative approach to problem-solving, engineering, and design with exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience with web technologies and user interface design
• Electromechanical/mechatronics software system design and development
• Working knowledge of control theory
• Experience designing fault-tolerant software
• Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Software Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $220,000.00/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.

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vaca