Vehicle Automation Engineer

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.

Vehicle Automation Engineer

Overview :

This group is dedicated to enabling engineers to focus on development by creating software that can rapidly and reliably configure, evaluate, and launch our vehicles. This means eliminating recurring engineering tasks, intelligently designing missions based off of minimal inputs (i.e. where are we going and what hardware do we have), evaluating vehicle performance versus expected behavior, and expediting engineering deliverables to our production team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop interdisciplinary software solutions to optimize engineering time and eliminate recurring tasks
• Develop highly reliable and available software systems
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• 2+ years of applied experience coding in an object-oriented language

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• In-depth understanding of fluid mechanics
• Ability to identify customer needs, gather requirements, and execute with high independency
• Ability to take on projects that require taking initiative and developing new expertise
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements
• Competence with multiple languages and technologies (Python, C++, MATLAB, SQL)
• Familiar with Agile software development techniques, particularly Test-Driven Development, and Continuous Integration
• Experience with database management
• Ability to make appropriate assumptions and perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to create rationale for clear recommendations
• Familiarity with vehicle test and flight operation processes
• Familiarity with common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers/RTD’s)
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants 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 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.