Sr. Software Engineer, HITL - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CAFull-time$165,000–$265,000Posted Aug 31, 2026

About the role

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, HITL - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Sr. 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

5+ years of experience in software development, developing applications in languages such as Python, C++, or Java

3+ years of experience with automated testing of hardware in the loop (HITL) or hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software

3+ years of experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines

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

Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

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.

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 test

Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $165,000.00 - $265,000.00

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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement automated testing for hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software
  • Develop full-stack solutions to manage automated testing of vehicle subsystems
  • Contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure
  • Maintain the highest standards of excellence

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in software development
  • 3+ years of experience with automated testing of HITL or HOOTL software
  • 3+ years of experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines

Benefits

  • 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 or more paid holidays per year
  • Paid sick leave
  • Long-term incentives and potential discretionary bonuses

Skills mentioned

PythonC++Software TestingAutomationCI/CDJenkinsLinuxDockerDebuggingPerformance Optimization

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA. For more information, visit www.spacex.com.

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing1,001-5,000 employeesHawthorne, California

H-1B sponsorship history

Historical employer filing data was found for SpaceX. The employer record includes 1 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.