Software Engineer, Backend (C/C++)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 18, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 3, 2026. SpaceX scores A on the Alion truth index.
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, BACKEND (C/C++)
As a Software Engineer on the test infrastructure team, you will design, develop, and maintain SpaceX’s in-house testing ecosystem that powers software and hardware test and validation across all flight systems. You will build and evolve the core test infrastructure framework and supporting applications used for production testing, integration testing, and high-fidelity simulations. The team is focused on building out SpaceXAI, improving SpaceX’s engineering capacity and capability through AI tooling.
This is a high-impact role where you will work across engineering groups to create reliable, scalable, and performant testing tools that accelerate vehicle production and flight software. Our testing software is critical to mission success for all vehicle programs at SpaceX. SpaceX is looking for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices.
Help us build world-class software that is critical to SpaceX’s mission to Mars.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and maintain the core test infrastructure framework and applications used across SpaceX
- Improve reliability, performance, and safety of test software and infrastructure
- Work closely with flight software engineers and users across the company to develop new features and improve user experiences
- Own all aspects of software engineering and product development for test infrastructure
- Deep dive into users’ problems to find and create efficient solutions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
- 1+ years of experience with C/C++
- 1+ years of experience with Python
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience developing telemetry-based software
- Expertise in designing software systems
- Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
- Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & monitoring
- Understanding of agentic workflows and utilizing AI to improve developer experience
- Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
- Experience with build systems (Make and Bazel preferred) and package management tools (pip, npm)
- Experience with UNIX-like operating systems and tools like Ansible and Puppet for managing them
- Production experience with Docker, Containerd, LXC, and/or Kubernetes
- Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- You may be asked to work extended hours/weekends dependent on launch cadence
- This role requires you to be onsite. Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.
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 [email protected].