Full Stack Software Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Full Stack Software Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Location:

Hawthorne, CA

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.

As a Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of all Space

X flight systems. You will have full ownership of new features in a scalable, high‑performance web application, contribute to core simulation and emulation infrastructure, and collaborate on building models of fluids, electronics, and multi‑body physics systems. This is a high‑impact role that works across engineering groups to build a high‑throughput distributed system to develop and demonstrate cutting‑edge software and hardware.

• Develop full‑stack solutions to manage analysis, prototypes, and vehicle data using simulation software, emulators, and flight software.
• Develop prototypes to prove key design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
• Develop high‑fidelity simulation and emulation software for all vehicles while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
• Improve reliability and performance of simulation software.
• Work with users to develop new features and improve user experience.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 1+ years of experience in software development; or 3+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree.
• 1+ years of professional experience in full‑stack development of production web applications.

• Professional programming experience in modern C++ (C++14 and above).
• Professional programming experience with Java, Python, or C#.
• Strong software design and development skills.
• Experience with highly available concurrent systems.
• 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.
• Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools.
• Experience with high‑performance computing systems.
• Experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle.
• Experience working with a team on at least one large (>100,000 lines) software project.
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and test automation.
• Active Top Secret clearance or the ability and willingness to obtain one.

• Successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed.

Pay range:

• Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000 – $145,000 per year
• Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000 – $170,000 per year

Those with an active clearance receive a 10% differential, up to $15,000 additional annually. Base salary is determined case‑by‑case and may vary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include company stock, stock options, long‑term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays, and sick leave.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X 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 requiring reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact