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SpaceX

Software Engineer (Controls Software)

SpaceX is hiring a Software Engineer (Controls Software). Level rates it ; you can apply on SpaceX.

Level's read on this job

  • On Level's scale, this software engineer role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include C, Python and Labview.
  • Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
  • Level lists 2,800+ other open roles at SpaceX.

AI in this role

Design and develop control software and data acquisition systems for rocket test stands and launch infrastructure at SpaceX.

cpythonlabviewcdaqcrio
software-architectureembedded-systemsdata-acquisitiondistributed-systemsdebugging

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 (CONTROLS SOFTWARE)

We are looking for a software engineer to join our Controls Software team at Starbase. This team designs, develops, tests, and maintains software used for test stand/launch infrastructure data acquisition and control, data post-processing, and other engineering software needs. The team works closely with test engineers, electrical engineers, other flight and ground software teams, and information technology to rapidly deploy high-performance software catering to unique test engineering requirements. This role is highly multi-disciplinary, will work in a variety of software languages, and will work closely with hardware. Your software will control rocket tests every day. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super-inspiring mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Architect and develop software and systems for
    • Data acquisition and control for test stands
    • Data storage and analysis
    • Automation of engineering and business functions
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers, test engineers, and IT to develop computing and network solutions for test stand data and control needs
  • Support active operations when software issues are encountered
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and test stand integration
  • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement, and training

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other science discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in software development (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with National Instruments hardware (cDAQ, cRIO, PXI) and software (LabVIEW)
  • Proven skills and knowledge with C++, Python, or other text-based programming languages
  • Proven experience in architecting, managing, and integrating large distributed systems
  • Strong communication/mentorship skills and experience in technical leadership
  • Examples of working directly with customers to gather requirements
  • Experience with network communication
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
  • Creative approach to problem solving
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require all work to be completed in the office
  • Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

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. 

How we rate this

Software Engineer (Controls Software) at SpaceX rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

  1. ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
  2. ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
  3. ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
  4. ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Software ArchitectureEmbedded SystemsData AcquisitionDistributed SystemsDebuggingCPythonLabview

Also common in software engineer jobs at this level

Pay

Typical software engineer job
$168k

This posting doesn't list pay. Use the typical software engineer figure when pay comes up. See software engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

  1. Tell me about a project where software architecture was part of your work. What did you do?
  2. Tell me about a project where embedded systems was part of your work. What did you do?
  3. Tell me about a project where data acquisition was part of your work. What did you do?
  4. Tell me about a project where distributed systems was part of your work. What did you do?
  5. Tell me about a project where debugging was part of your work. What did you do?

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  • List these exact terms on your resume: Software Architecture, Embedded Systems, Data Acquisition, Distributed Systems, and Debugging. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
  • Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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