Application Software Engineer
SpaceX · Bastrop, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $120,000 / year
- Bastrop, TX
Job highlights
- Develop mission-critical applications for SpaceX operations.
- Create new applications to improve SpaceX's efficiency.
- Own all aspects of software and product development.
- Collaborate with diverse engineering teams on solutions.
- Contribute to SpaceX's mission of space exploration.
About the role
Application Software Engineer
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.
About the Role
The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX – we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service. We are looking for engineers who treat fellow teammates with fairness, respect, and support.
Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship as well as designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink. Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets to manage the world’s largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, respectful, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers with diverse perspectives to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.
Responsibilities
- Develop highly reliable software solutions that are used across SpaceX
- Create new applications that improve how SpaceX operates
- Build prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
- Own all aspects of software engineering and product development
- Deep dive into your users’ problems to find and create efficient solutions
- Bring your voice to the table in team collaborations on architecture, design, and code reviews
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
- Experience in full stack development
Preferred Skills And Experience
- Programming experience in Python, C#.NET, Go, Scala, Java, or similar object-oriented language
- 1+ years of rigorous experience building single page web applications
- Experience with version control, continuous integration, and continuous delivery concepts
- Expertise in designing software systems
- Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & monitoring
- Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
- Experience with build systems (Make, Bazel/Pants/Buck, Gradle) and package management tools (pip, npm)
- Experience with UNIX-like operating systems and tools like Terraform, Ansible, Puppet for managing them
- Experience working with in-stream data processing using Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, or similar technologies
- Production experience with Docker and Kubernetes
- Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
- Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
Additional Requirements
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
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.
Key skills/competency
- Software Engineering
- Full Stack Development
- Python
- C#.NET
- Go
- Scala
- Java
- Angular
- React
- Docker
Skills & topics
- Application Software Engineer
- Software Engineering
- Full Stack Development
- Python
- C#
- Go
- Java
- Angular
- React
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- CI/CD
- SpaceX
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight full-stack experience, object-oriented programming (Python, C#.NET, Go, Java), and web application development.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize experience with CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud technologies (Terraform, Ansible).
- Demonstrate problem-solving: Prepare examples of how you've developed efficient solutions and improved application performance.
- Understand the mission: Articulate your passion for SpaceX's goals and how your software skills can contribute.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Expect deep dives into system design, data processing, and coding challenges.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the basic qualifications for an Application Software Engineer at SpaceX?
- SpaceX requires a Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a scientific discipline, or at least 2 years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree. You'll also need experience in full-stack development.
- What programming languages are preferred for the Application Software Engineer role at SpaceX?
- SpaceX prefers candidates with programming experience in Python, C#.NET, Go, Scala, Java, or similar object-oriented languages. Experience with front-end JavaScript frameworks like Angular or React is also highly valued.
- Does SpaceX require aerospace experience for this Application Software Engineer position?
- No, SpaceX explicitly states that aerospace experience is not required. They are looking for smart, motivated, respectful, and collaborative engineers who are passionate about solving problems and contributing to their mission.
- What kind of software systems does the Application Software team at SpaceX develop?
- The team develops mission-critical applications for launch vehicle production, flight operations, Starlink internet service growth, Starship development, next-generation manufacturing software, and systems for managing satellite constellations.
- What are the ITAR requirements for this role at SpaceX?
- To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee, or an asylee, or eligible to obtain necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
- What is the work environment like for an Application Software Engineer at SpaceX?
- You will work with a team of enthusiastic engineers with diverse perspectives, have full ownership of challenging problems, and collaborate closely with engineers throughout the company. Extended hours and weekends may be required.
- How does SpaceX ensure a fair hiring process for Application Software Engineer candidates?
- SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and is not influenced by any protected status. Applicants needing accommodation can contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.