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Principal Software Engineer, Vehicle Engineering

Hawthorne, CA

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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.

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER, VEHICLE ENGINEERING

As a Principal Software Engineer for AI in Vehicle Engineering, you will serve as a hybrid technical leader bridging classical aerospace engineering with cutting-edge AI and software development. Drawing on your deep experience in the design, build, and operations of launch vehicles, you will architect AI-driven systems to revolutionize engineering and production workflows. The focus will be on leveraging technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) to create tools that accelerate everything from conceptual design to flight operations and rapid re-flight.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Propulsion, Structures, Dynamics, GNC, Avionics, Software, and adjacent production and supply chain groups to build a cohesive, AI-enabled ecosystem. This system will transform SpaceX into an AI-driven factory, unlocking efficiencies in data analysis, simulation, automation, and decision-making, while simultaneously improving safety and reliability. Your influence will extend through soft power—guiding architectural decisions, fostering adoption, and ensuring seamless integration across disciplines. Your work will directly support the rapid launch rate of Falcon & Dragon vehicles, Starship development, and the broader mission to make humanity multiplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Architect end-to-end AI systems that integrate with engineering workflows, from design and simulation to manufacturing, testing, and operations for launch vehicles and spacecrafts.

+ Leverage LLMs and other AI technologies to develop software toolsets that automate repetitive tasks, enhance data-driven insights, and accelerate production cycles.

+ Collaborate with Propulsion, Structures, Dynamics, GNC, Avionics, Software, production, and supply chain teams to identify bottlenecks and co-design AI solutions that ensure unified architecture.

+ Exercise technical leadership and soft influence to align diverse teams on AI standards, best practices, and scalable implementations, fostering a cohesive ecosystem.

+ Prototype and iterate on AI-driven tools for real-time flight data analysis, predictive maintenance, and re-flight optimization, quantifying impact on engineering efficiency.

+ Develop secure, reliable AI pipelines that adhere to SpaceX data policies, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic workflows tailored to aerospace challenges.

+ Guide the evaluation and integration of emerging AI technologies, ensuring they enhance responsible engineering practices while maintaining accountability and safety.

+ Mentor junior engineers and drive cross-team knowledge sharing to build organizational AI maturity.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related field; OR 10+ years of professional experience in lieu of a degree.

+ 8+ years of experience in the design, build, and operations of launch vehicles or complex aerospace systems in a classical engineering context (e.g., propulsion, structures, or systems integration).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

+ Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority, guiding technical architecture in collaborative environments.

+ Proven track record in high-stakes environments, such as launch vehicle operations, rapid prototyping, or supply chain optimization.

+ Hands-on development of agentic AI workflows for automation in engineering or manufacturing contexts.

+ Experience with machine learning for time-series analysis, simulation acceleration, or predictive modeling in aerospace applications (e.g., using PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar).

+ Advanced experience with AI/ML technologies, including building LLM-based systems with RAG (e.g., using LlamaIndex or LangChain) and/or fine-tuning models on domain-specific data.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

+ Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines.

+ Ability to travel as needed to support integration with production and launch sites.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Principal Software Engineer: $200,000.00 - $270,000.00/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 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.

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 ITARhere (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc\_kb\_article\_page&sys\_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

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].