Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon)

As a Software Engineer, C++ at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include developing, executing, and analyzing mission-critical software for the Dragon vehicles. You'll create innovative tools to ensure efficient software deployment and automate data review processes. Additionally, you'll troubleshoot flight hardware/software systems and support mission operations, playing a crucial role in vehicle testing milestones and the overall success of our missions.

To qualify for the Software Engineer, C++ position at SpaceX, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a related discipline, or at least 2 years of software development experience in lieu of a degree. Development experience in C/C++ is required, and familiarity with Linux systems and embedded systems will enhance your application.

Preferred skills for the Software Engineer, C++ role at SpaceX include a basic knowledge of electronics and motor design, proficiency in Linux (including Bash shell scripting), experience with real-time embedded systems, and software testing expertise. Having experience in creating system diagrams and documenting software requirements is also beneficial for candidates.

At SpaceX, Software Engineers, C++ will experience a fast-paced and collaborative work environment. Team members are encouraged to innovate and solve complex challenges while developing technology that drives space exploration. Flexibility is crucial, as there may be requirements to work extended hours or weekends, especially during critical mission milestones.

SpaceX offers a comprehensive benefits package for Software Engineer, C++ roles, including competitive salaries, stock options, and long-term incentives. Employees have access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, and three weeks of paid vacation. Additional perks like employee stock purchase plans and various discounts can significantly enhance your total compensation.

When answering this question, focus on detailing specific projects where you utilized C/C++ in embedded systems development. Highlight your problem-solving skills, any challenges you faced, and how your programming efforts contributed to the project’s success.

Explain your systematic approach to troubleshooting software issues. Discuss how you work with interdisciplinary teams, analyze logs, reproduce bugs, and verify fixes in a safe and structured manner, ensuring the software behaves as expected during flight.

Share specific tools you have created or used that enhanced the deployment process. Discuss the impact these tools had on frequency and reliability, and how they helped streamline operations, ensuring faster turnaround for launches.

Provide a detailed example that showcases your analytical skills. Explain the bug's nature, how you identified its source, the steps taken to investigate and fix it, and the final resolution, focusing on your troubleshooting process.

Talk about your approach to prioritization, mentioning tools or methods you use, like Agile methodologies or task management software. Ensure to convey the importance of communication and collaboration with your team to meet project deadlines.

Discuss any automated testing frameworks you have experience with, explaining their importance in software reliability. Detail how you integrate these tests into your development process and the benefits they provide for deployment cycles.

Emphasize your experience with software documentation practices, including creating system diagrams and documenting software requirements. Mention how you ensure that documentation is kept current and accessible for all team members.

Discuss the importance of testing in various conditions and scenarios to ensure safety and reliability. Mention methodologies you follow and how you analyze results to make informed decisions about deployment readiness.

Provide an example of a collaborative project where you worked with different engineering disciplines. Explain your role, how you facilitated communication among team members, and how collaboration led to innovative solutions.

Share your passion for space exploration and innovation in technology. Highlight your long-term goals within the aerospace industry, emphasizing how you identify with SpaceX's mission to make human life multi-planetary.