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SpaceX

Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon)

SpaceX is hiring a Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon). It pays $165k-$230k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on SpaceX.

Level's read on this job

  • Level rates this software engineer role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
  • The listed pay starts close to the typical software engineer posting on Level.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include Linux, Bash and c.
  • Level classifies it as a senior role.
  • Level lists 2,800+ other open roles at SpaceX.

AI in this role

Develop, analyze, and verify mission-critical C++ flight software configurations for SpaceX Dragon vehicles.

linuxbash
cembedded-systemssoftware-testingflight-software

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, C++ (DRAGON)

As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Dragon team, you will develop, analyze and verify the mission critical software configurations that fly our Dragon Crewed and Cargo vehicles. You will partner cross-functionally to ensure software is configured to each mission's specifications and needs. You will be responsible for ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected, and troubleshoot flight software when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch and fly vehicles frequently, safely and reliably.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop, execute, and analyze the code and configuration for the software systems that fly our vehicles
  • Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, automated data review, and automated configuration verification
  • Analyze test results and bugs that require in-depth investigations
  • Troubleshoot flight hardware/software systems with interdisciplinary engineering teams
  • Plan and execute vehicle testing milestones
  • Support mission operations as a flight software specialist
  • Roll out new software changes to the vehicle fleet
  • Occasional travel to launch sites and customer sites for testing and/or operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development in lieu of degree
  • 5+ years of software development experience in C/C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Knowledge of electronics, controls, motor design, and physical mechanics
  • Strong fluency in Linux, including:
    • Bash shell scripting
    • Network troubleshooting
  • Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems
  • Experience with software documentation, creating system diagrams, and enumerating software requirements
  • Experience with software testing
  • Knowledge of state machines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Sr. Software Engineer: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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

Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) 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

CEmbedded SystemsSoftware TestingFlight SoftwareLinuxBash

Also common in software engineer jobs at this level

Pay

This job starts at
$165k
Typical software engineer job
$168k

This posting starts close to the typical software engineer job. See software engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

  1. Tell me about a project where c 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 software testing was part of your work. What did you do?
  4. Tell me about a project where flight software was part of your work. What did you do?
  5. Walk me through how you've used Linux in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

  • List these exact terms on your resume: C, Embedded Systems, Software Testing, Flight Software, and Linux. 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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