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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARFALL)
As a Software Engineer on the Starfall Engineering organization, you will design and implement software and firmware for the next generation of avionics systems at SpaceX. You will be responsible for ensuring your system behaves as expected and troubleshoot when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch SpaceX systems frequently, safely, and reliably.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers. Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware for common processors and micro-controllers
- Support launch operations
- Collaborate with peers and customers
- Bring up and validate devices that communicate-to and fly-in space
- Analyze test results and bugs which require in-depth investigations
- Hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems
- Work in a dynamic environment with changing needs, requirements, and challenges
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in writing software in lieu of a degree
- 1+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Development experience with microcontrollers
- Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++
- Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers
- Commitment to high standard of software development, including adherence to software process and best practices
- Linux and bash shell scripting
- Understanding of verification methodologies
- Excellent communication & documentation skills, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000 - $150,000
Level 2: $145,000 - $175,000
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 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 ITAR here.
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].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software experience in lieu of a degree
- 1+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card), refugee, asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (ITAR-related)
- Development experience with microcontrollers
- Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++
- Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers
- Linux and bash shell scripting
- Understanding of verification methodologies
- Commitment to software development best practices and strong documentation and communication skills
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
