Sr. Software Engineer (AI Data Engineering)
About this role
The Sr. Software Engineer (AI Data Engineering) role at SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, involves building AI-powered tools and automation to solve engineering problems for launch vehicles and spacecraft, making it ideal for software engineers experienced in automation and AI integrations. The position centers on eliminating repetitive engineering tasks through advanced data pipelines, agentic workflows, and web applications.
Role Overview
The Sr. Software Engineer (AI Data Engineering) position operates within the Artificial Intelligence Data Engineering Software team. This professional creates automation and artificial intelligence solutions that process large telemetry datasets, review test records, and prepare teams for missions. The role suits engineers who want to build production-grade internal tools that directly impact space exploration and launch vehicle reuse.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
Nice to Have
Skills and Tools
Salary and Benefits
The base salary for Level 3 ranges from $165,000.00 to $265,000.00, with actual compensation determined by job-related skills, education, and experience. Additional rewards include long-term incentives such as company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Comprehensive benefits comprise medical, vision, dental coverage, 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and paid holidays.
About the Company
SpaceX develops technologies to advance space exploration with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars, while working on launch vehicles and satellite communication constellations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply on the official company careers page.
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What qualifications are required to apply for this role?
Candidates must have either a Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, or physics, or 4+ years of professional experience building automation for engineering use cases. Additionally, applicants need 5+ years of software engineering experience focusing on automation or AI integrations, and 5+ years of programming experience in Python.
Is aerospace experience required for this position?
No, aerospace experience is not strictly required. SpaceX seeks smart, motivated, and collaborative engineers who want to solve complex problems.
What is the salary range for the Sr. Software Engineer position?
The base salary for Level 3 ranges from $165,000.00 to $265,000.00, with exact placement determined by skills, education, and experience.
Are there specific citizenship or residency requirements?
Yes. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations under ITAR, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
What additional benefits does SpaceX offer?
Employees may receive long-term incentives like company stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, stock purchase options, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and paid holidays.