Operations Software Engineer (Satellite R&D) at SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA, United States
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.
OPERATIONS SOFTWARE ENGINEER (SATELLITE R&D)
The spacecraft engineering team in Hawthorne is growing to support our R&D satellite programs that are pushing the boundaries of in-space capabilities. Our missions support scientific research, classified national security space and commercial opportunities. As we grow our classified mission manifest, we are looking for Operations Software Engineer to join our team.
As an Operations Software Engineer in Satellite Avionics, you will have a unique opportunity to characterize, develop, and operate new satellite platforms in space. You will help develop the software that alerts you, the operator, to issues on-orbit, and that safely recovers the vehicle autonomously from a myriad of anomalies to ensure continued mission success. You will work with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, guidance navigation and control (GNC) engineers, and electrical design engineers to understand and evaluate how the satellite should be operated safely and reliably. You will operate the satellite while on-orbit, while on the ground in test, and support check outs of the vehicle in the lead up to launch. You will help develop and refine the tool chains needed to make satellite operations more accessible. Through continuous improvement, you will automate the operations of the satellite to the point of minimal operator intervention.
An active Top Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain one, is desired but not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team to represent the avionics system in defining scope, system requirements, and vehicle level operations software
Develop creative software solutions to continuously iterate and push the boundaries of automation over the lifetime of satellite operations
Own on-orbit mission operations, mission success, and support on-orbit operations through the life of the satellites
Define and perform checkouts to integrate hardware and validate operations software on a flight vehicle
Own system level and avionics sub-system operational knowledge for automating nominal operations, testing, fault detection, and alerts
Improvement and creation of tool chains to autonomously monitor and execute on-orbit operations and process data for analysis and review
Design and develop flight representative tests and simulations using software-in-the-loop or hardware-in-the-loop testbeds to validation operations for flight
Support integration and test at the SpaceX satellite factory, customer facility, and launch site
Troubleshoot issues on prototype and production assemblies on an aggressive schedule
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, computer science, or physics
Experience utilizing computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, software system design, version control systems)
6+ months of work experience (internships, full-time roles) developing software in a shared codebase with other developers
U.S. Citizen
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience developing application programming interfaces (APIs) in a modern, object-oriented coding language (Python, C++, C#, Java)
DevOps (developer operations) experience with a production system (either as a software on-call or hot-fixing issues in a production environment)
Familiarity with Linux based operating systems
Active security clearance
Experience with automating complex systems and writing fault detection control logic
Creative, passionate problem solver that can thrive leading multidisciplinary teams through fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding design and integration campaigns
Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and team focus with extensive multi-tasking and organizational experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired but not required
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical operations
Some travel may be required; ~20%
An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
