Sr. Software Engineer (Components)
SpaceX· Aerospace· Sep 24, 2026 · 1mo ago
Hawthorne, CA
In office
Full-time
Senior
$165K–$265K
5+ years exp
Job description
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 (COMPONENTS)
The Components Team develops and manufactures the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our engineers serve as software and hardware experts for the flow control devices, avionics, and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our Starship, Raptor, Dragon and Falcon vehicles - from engine throttling to attitude control and more. We design and build avionics, valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F, pressures beyond 10,000 psig, and actuators above 2,000,000 Newtons. The Components Engineering Software Team is a diverse set of software engineers who write Test Software, Factory Automation Software, Hardware Drivers, Web Interfaces, and Firmware which enable advanced component testing, hardware manufacturing, and analysis. As a Software Engineer on the Components Engineering team, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop across multiple software fields and technologies as well as cross disciplinarily with multiple hardware teams. You will be expected to create novel, robust software from the ground up which enables testing, analysis, and production of rocket components. We are looking for people who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate in our software.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
5+ years of software programming experience using Python, C, or similar
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Computer science degree
Proven proficiency in software knowledge
Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
Experience with configuration management and version control software
Experience with continuous integration and agile development
Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains
Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion
Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
Experience with spacecraft fluid systems
Experience with high power electrical systems
Experience with electro-mechanical systems
Experience with embedded hardware product development
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $265,000.00
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 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Parental Leave