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Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

Join SpaceX as a Software Engineer to develop and test software for the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket.

Location
Hawthorne, CA
Compensation
$125k–$175k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 4 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 4 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 8 hours ago

Skills & Technologies

C++ Rust Flexible on stack

Requirements

Experience
2+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

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

Joblaze summary

In the role of Software Engineer for Flight Software at SpaceX, the individual will focus on designing, developing, and testing software that controls and simulates flight systems for the Starship spacecraft. Proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Rust, along with experience in real-time embedded systems, is essential for success. This position is ideal for motivated engineers who thrive in collaborative environments and are eager to contribute to groundbreaking aerospace projects. The team emphasizes high software standards and innovative problem-solving to achieve ambitious mission objectives.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 4 months ago — first seen on Joblaze May 23, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 9, 2026.
  • This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Starbase, TX.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,800).
  • Starts above 35% of 139 comparable mid other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $125,000 across 21 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 7.1% of 3087 comparable mid other roles in United States; Rust appears in 1.2% of 3087 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $125,000–$175,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Rust.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship) 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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARSHIP)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

As a Software Engineer on the Starship Software team, you will design, develop, and test software that is used to both control and simulate SpaceX flight systems. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to implement and debug software at all layers of our stack – application, operating system, networking, firmware, simulation – to achieve the mission.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations required to validate them
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and integration to the mission
  • Work with counterpart engineering teams to develop and maintain launch and vehicle software, crossing all required software domains necessary to implement and verify control of the pad, ship, and booster to meet mission objectives
  • Follow and maintain high software standards and software engineering best practices within Starship Software

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Proven skills and knowledge of C++, Rust, or other systems programming language
  • Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems
  • Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, bug-free software
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, fluid systems, motor design, or physical mechanics
  • Strong critical thinking and first-principles problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to work effectively in a dynamic environment while assuming high levels of responsibility and demonstrating accountability for software outcomes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Software Engineering/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineering/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

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.

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