← Back to results

Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Procurement)

Lead a team of engineers to develop mission-critical applications for SpaceX's procurement systems.

Location
Hawthorne, CA, United States
Compensation
$165k–$265k/yr
Level
lead
Type
full time

Posted by employer 1 day ago

First seen on Joblaze 9 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 9 hours ago

What you'll build

  • Directly manage a team of software engineers
  • Own all aspects of a system roadmap
  • Provide strong technical leadership
  • Develop highly reliable and available software systems
  • Collaborate with other leaders in the department

Must have

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline
  • 3+ years of software development experience
  • 1+ years of experience with object-oriented programming
  • 1+ years of experience with leading software teams or projects

Nice to have

  • Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java
  • Front-end experience in Angular, React
  • Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server
  • 4+ years of experience building single page web applications
  • Expertise in designing software systems

Practical constraints

  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Requirements

Experience
3–6 years
Education
Bachelor's degree

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement, visa sponsorship.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In this role, the Lead Software Engineer on the Application Software team at SpaceX will manage a group of engineers, overseeing the development and delivery of critical software systems that support various aerospace initiatives. Key skills include proficiency in object-oriented programming languages like Python or Java, as well as experience in building web applications and database management. This position is ideal for someone with a solid background in software development and leadership, eager to tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced environment. The team focuses on creating innovative solutions that directly impact SpaceX's ambitious goals.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 23, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 23, 2026.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for Backend roles (median ~$180,000).
  • Starts above 18% of 11 comparable lead backend roles in United States we track (median $185,000 across 10 companies).

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $165,000–$265,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
3–6 years of relevant experience for this Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Procurement) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: .NET, Angular, C++, Go, Java, PostgreSQL.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets lead candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Procurement) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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.

LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER, APPLICATION SOFTWARE (PROCUREMENT)

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX – we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service.

Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship, designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink and xAI, and refining supply chain software to support the largest AI super computing centers. Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets to manage the world’s largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

As a Lead Software Engineer on the Application Software team, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of highly skilled engineers both from a technical and personnel development perspective.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Directly manage a team of software engineers
  • Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of a system roadmap
  • Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
  • Develop highly reliable and available software systems
  • Maintain highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
  • Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure success for SpaceX

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 3+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
  • 1+ years of experience with object-oriented programming
  • 1+ years of experience with leading software teams or projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java, or similar object-oriented language
  • Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
  • Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
  • 4+ years of experience building single page web applications
  • Expertise in designing software systems
  • Expertise in testing and infrastructure
  • Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
  • Domain expertise in any of the following:
    • Manufacturing systems
    • Supply Chain systems
    • Warehouse Management systems
  • Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
  • Able to collaborate across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers and managers, including networking and working in a team development environment
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$165,000.00 - $265,000.00

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:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

Similar positions