Space Operations Software Engineer – Hawthorne, CA
The Space Operations Software Engineer at Confidential Client develops reliable software tools and applications to support spacecraft operations, including real-time mission control for human and cargo spaceflight missions. This role involves full stack development, close collaboration with operations teams, and active participation in mission control to enable safe and efficient spaceflight operations. The position requires strong software engineering skills, adaptability to mission-critical environments, and occasional travel to Confidential Client sites.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a Space Operations Software Engineer to join an operations tools team that builds reliable tooling and operator interfaces for spacecraft operations. In this hands-on role you will both operate spacecraft systems and build the software that enables safe, repeatable missions.
- Develop highly reliable, production-grade software used across mission operations
- Build web-based applications and internal tools that improve spacecraft operations
- Prototype features and quantify technical trade-offs quickly
- Own the full software lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and monitoring
- Collaborate with operations teams to deep-dive into user workflows and deliver efficient solutions
- Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews; advocate for robustness and testability
- Serve as an on-console mission control operator during human and cargo missions as required
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree
- 1+ years of full-stack development experience
- Demonstrated ability to write reliable, well-tested code and to deliver production services
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in one or more object-oriented languages (Python, C#/.NET, Scala, Java or similar)
- Experience building single-page web applications (Angular, React, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with Docker and Kubernetes for production deployments
- Experience with CI/CD, source control workflows, and automated testing strategies
- Strong understanding of performance profiling and application optimization
- Experience with build systems (Make, Bazel/Pants/Buck, Gradle) and package management (pip, npm)
- Experience with UNIX-like operating systems and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible, Puppet)
- Knowledge of stream processing or messaging systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ)
- Database experience (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar)
- Past involvement in mission operations, real-time systems, or safety-critical environments is a plus
Additional Requirements
- Must be open to occasional travel to Confidential Client sites in California, Texas, and Florida
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends when supporting mission operations or critical timelines
- This role requires working in a mission-critical environment with high standards for reliability and availability
Compensation & Benefits
- Level 1 base salary range: $125,000 – $160,000 per year
- Level 2 base salary range: $145,000 – $195,000 per year
- Your level and base salary will be determined case-by-case based on experience, education, and job-related skills.
- Total rewards may include long-term incentives (equity or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan where applicable.
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short- and long-term disability; life insurance; paid parental leave; paid vacation (e.g., approximately 3 weeks) and company holidays; paid sick leave per company policy.
Work Authorization / Export Control
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (e.g., ITAR), applicants must be one of the following:
- A U.S. citizen or national; OR
- A U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder); OR
- A Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157; OR
- An Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158; OR
- Eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
About the Industry
This opportunity is within Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing — work that directly supports human and cargo spaceflight operations and mission tooling.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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