Software Engineer, Test Engineering and Operations

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, TEST ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS

We are seeking a Software Engineer with strong professional Python and Linux experience to design, develop, and continuously improve software solutions that ensure our vehicles can be built and flown reliably. This role focuses on working directly with physical hardware systems (such as sensors and instrumentation), wrangling and leveraging large amounts of data, and implementing modern deployment practices to streamline manufacturing quality control, simplify test operations, ensure procedure traceability, and optimize rocket and spacecraft reusability across the Falcon, Dragon, and Starship programs.

As a Software Engineer on the Test Engineering and Operations team, you will drive continuous improvement and roadmap execution while eliminating recurring engineering and operational tasks. You will engage with SpaceX engineers to discover their needs, rapidly learn new technologies and domains, and apply engineering discretion to build highly reliable, data-driven software solutions. You will own the complete lifecycle of the software you create, including development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support. You are the engineer other engineers can count on: technical, proactive, and focused on solving tomorrow’s problems today. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop, maintain, streamline, and troubleshoot Python-based analysis tools, data pipelines, enterprise applications, automated tests, and software systems that support hardware checkout, test operations, and vehicle processing across the company
• Design, implement, and deploy reliable software solutions that interface with physical systems and instrumentation (such as RTDs, pressure transducers, and other sensors)
• Lead the design, development, review, and deployment of new software projects using modern CI/CD pipelines and Linux-based environments
• Periodically evaluate existing tools and processes and implement more efficient, scalable, and reliable approaches, including refactoring and automation
• Create interdisciplinary software solutions that optimize engineering time, eliminate recurring tasks, streamline workflows, and reduce risk for hazardous operations
• Develop sustainable, scalable, and secure software systems following object-oriented principles while rapidly learning and integrating new technologies as needed
• Participate and provide meaningful feedback in architecture, design, and code reviews in a dynamic environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or scientific discipline OR 1+ years' professional experience coding in an object-oriented language (including internships, design/build/compete project teams)
• Minimum of 1+ years of professional software development experience with Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, wrangle data, and deliver reliable solutions in dynamic and uncertain environments
• ⁠Familiarity with physical systems and hardware such as RTDs, pressure transducers, and other common aerospace instrumentation
• Strong skills in developing strategies to collect and use large amounts of data for efficiency and reliability improvements (e.g. SQL, databases, and related tools)
• Familiar with CI/CD pipelines and deployment systems
• ⁠Experience working in Linux environments, including shell scripting, system administration, and deploying applications on Linux-based systems
• Familiar with networking technology, concepts, protocols, and infrastructure
• Strong competency in software development practices including testing, continuous integration, and modern deployment workflows
• Ability to quickly and competently pick up new skills and develop expertise in unfamiliar domains
• Ability to thrive in uncertain, dynamic, and high-pressure environments with rapidly changing needs and requirements
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and writing reliable, testable code
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks while maintaining an ongoing drive for continuous improvement
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, customers, and management
• Able to work effectively in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Passion for advancing the co