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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Software Engineer - **Company:** Space Exploration Technologies Corp. - **Location:** Hawthorne, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $165,000.0 - $230,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** JavaScript (Programming Language), Automation of Tests, Unit Testing, Unix, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Databases, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Distributed Systems, Design of User Interfaces, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle (Applications), Performance Tuning, Ansible, Software Engineering, Software Systems, TypeScript, Web Applications, High Performance Computing, Modern Ui, ReactJS, Software Application Programming, Information Technology, Atlassian Bamboo, Docker, Jenkins, Programming Languages - **Published:** September 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/ba07945d-028b-4a3a-8849-464e84ecd6fd ## About the Role 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., * Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering * 5+ years of experience in full stack software development * Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript libraries including either React or Lit * Professional experience developing applications using programming languages such as Python, Rust or C++ * 1+ years of experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle * 1+ years of professional leadership experience * Active Top-Secret, Top-Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * Expert knowledge of JavaScript and Python * Demonstrated focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, high-quality software * Experience with highly available concurrent systems * Experience with high-performance computing systems * Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, and Jenkins * Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes * Experience with developing intuitive, web-based UI/UX to manage critical operations. * Experience with working with US government counterparts to convert operational needs & requirements into a full stack software solution. * Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools * 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 * Able to work well in an integrated engineering environment, including frequent interactions with engineers and managers of other engineering disciplines * Professional experience managing a team of software engineers, * 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. * Note that 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 * Must be willing to travel (approximately 10%) to other SpaceX locations, as necessary * Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines ## Description As a Lead Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will lead a team of software engineers to design, develop, and test key aspects of software solutions that support the exploration and validation of future technologies used in all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of the direction and delivery of a suite of scalable, high-performance web applications that span the design, build, test and operations pipeline for cutting-edge innovations that will expand SpaceX's capabilities in ground and space systems. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-throughput distributed system to develop and demonstrate cutting-edge software and hardware., * Own the outcomes and delivery of a software engineering team contributing to full stack software solutions used for analysis, prototypes, ground software and operator user interfaces in support of flight systems * Manage technical results, performance evaluations and professional growth for all your reports * Develop and maintain a roadmap with clear, achievable short-term and long-term goals * Work closely with customer and SpaceX teams to ensure that operational use cases & task analyses are clearly & efficiently implemented in an intuitive and modern UI/UX * Foster a culture of excellence, emphasizing high-quality work, peer support, and cross-functional collaboration * Identify and eliminate roadblocks, empower team ownership, and motivate individuals to succeed * Lead architecture discussions, design decisions, and code reviews * Ensure adherence to software development processes and industry best practices * Oversee all phases of software development, from design and implementation to testing, mission integration, and operations