Software Engineer; Components

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

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 and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our Starship, Dragon, Falcon and Starlink vehicles - from engine throttling to attitude control and more. We design and build valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900°F to
-400°F and pressures beyond 10,000 psig.

Testing is a fundamental quality check and last line of defense before our products are installed for flight. As a Software Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop test software infrastructure that will validate the performance of these components in a cross‑disciplinary environment. You will be expected to create new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up including hardware, software, and the interface between the two.

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 testing approach.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years of software programming experience using Python, C, or similar. Time spent in school and on individual projects is acceptable experience

• 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

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed