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Senior

Software Engineer, HITL - Top Secret Clearance

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

SpaceX

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA
On-site
Posted March 27, 2026

Job Description

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, HITL - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of new features in a scalable, high-performance application used to control and test flight systems. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-assurance system that accelerates the development and demonstration of cutting-edge software and hardware.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices. Our software is critical to future mission successes, and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting-edge solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and implement automated testing for hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software to ensure that deliverables meet target design criteria and operate within technical constraints
  • Develop full-stack solutions to manage automated testing of vehicle subsystems leveraging simulation and flight software
  • Contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure
  • Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settling for the status quo

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in software development, developing applications in languages such as Python, C++, or Java
  • Experience with automated testing of hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software
  • Experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines
  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Professional experience in full-stack development of production web applications is a plus
  • Experience with JavaScript libraries such as Lit, React, and Redux
  • Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, and Jenkins
  • Familiar with monitoring tools such as Grafana or Elasticsearch
  • Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
  • Experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, data throughput analysis and unit testing
  • Strong creative and innovative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting to changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
  • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:         
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

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