Sr. Software Engineer (Satellites) - Top Secret Clearance 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.
SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER (SATELLITES) - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
The spacecraft engineering team in Hawthorne is hiring for satellite programs that are pushing the boundaries of in-space capabilities. Our missions support scientific research, classified national security space and commercial opportunities. Software engineering and innovation is at the core of these programs.
The spacecraft software team is building highly reliable in-space networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, and creating autonomous satellite operation systems, and more. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas, love solving problems, and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, driven, and collaborative engineers.
Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. We build tools that enable us to work more efficiently, and that help us build software systems that are secure, reliable, and autonomous. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.
An active Top Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain one, is desired but not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop highly reliable and secure autonomous software systems
Design and implement fault detection and mitigation in software
Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize the development of our products
Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and mission integration
There are several roles within the satellite software team with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific focus areas based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific role responsibilities may include:
Writing high quality Linux-based software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.)
Implementing networking technologies to direct data across a variety of satellites, ground operations centers, and users
Deploy, upgrade, and scale our suite of mission critical services
Building next-generation satellite ground operation systems that provide highly available and secure satellite operations
Developing models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or operator training
Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop, and even vehicle-in-the-loop testing
Invent new systems that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline AND 4+years of experience insoftware development; OR 6+ years experience in software development without a degree
2+ years development experience in C, C++, or Python; or full stack software development experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Developed and deployed software that has been used real-world applications and projects
Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within flight software and may include:
Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc)
Experience developing in the Linux kernel
Experience in C++ for high performance systems
Experience with large-scale application deployment and management systems such as Kubernetes
Experience with building full stack systems and developer tools
Strong background in math and physics
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
Note that 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.
