Sr. Software Engineer (Components)
Hawthorne · USD 165,000-265,000 · 5+ years experience · Posted Sep 24, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 5+ years experience
- Location
- Hawthorne
- Salary
- USD 165,000-265,000 · Base salary
About the role
- The Components Engineering Software Team develops test software, factory automation, hardware drivers, web interfaces, and firmware for spacecraft and launch vehicle components.
- Engineers in this role design and develop software across multiple fields while collaborating cross-disciplinarily with hardware teams to support Starship, Raptor, Dragon, and Falcon vehicles.
- The role involves creating novel, robust software from the ground up to enable the testing, analysis, and production of rocket components.
Responsibilities
- Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification.
- Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems.
- Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware.
- Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria.
- Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures.
- Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline.
- 5+ years of software programming experience using Python, C, or similar.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to conform to U.S. Government export regulations.
Preferred qualifications
- Computer science degree
- Proven proficiency in software knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
- Experience with configuration management and version control software
- Experience with continuous integration and agile development
- Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
- Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
- Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
Benefits
- Long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards)
- Potential discretionary bonuses
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 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
Skills
- Python
- C
- Linux
- Windows
- GPIB
- USB
- VISA
- TCP/IP
- VLAN
- CAN Bus
- SPI
- I2C
Show all 13 skills
- Modbus
