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.
GROUND SEGMENT SOFTWARE ENGINEER
The SpaceX Ground Segment team is responsible for supporting a wide array of communications needs. They support and deploy our worldwide network of ground stations, own all launch site and recovery RF communications and optical tracking, and facilitate all Starlink Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C). For all real-time operations of Falcon, Dragon, and Starship, the team facilitates NASA flight operations interfaces and network integration, as well as operational voice, mission control video, and communications readiness testing.
As a software engineer on the Ground Segment team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control many SpaceX ground systems and tracking assets for a wide variety of SpaceX programs. You will collaborate with other SpaceX teams to code highly reliable software that will provide mission critical tracking and data. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create from development through mission operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in the development of highly reliable and automated imaging and tracking interfaces using a variety of both commercial and SpaceX built hardware
- Design and implement fault detection and mitigation in software
- Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
- Own all aspects of software development including design, test, and mission integration
- Perform post operation data analyses to inform continuous improvement of our mission critical software systems.
- Work cross-functionally with internal software teams to integrate ground station tracking systems with existing systems.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 2+ years of experience in software development OR 6+ years of experience in software development
- 2+ years of experience in C++
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with Python
- Electromechanical/mechatronics software system design and development
- Strong software design and development skills
- Working knowledge of control theory
- Experience designing fault tolerant software
- Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
- Strong background in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
- 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:
- Willingness to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.