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Software Engineer (Starfall)

Join SpaceX as a Software Engineer to design and implement avionics systems for space exploration.

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

Posted by employer 3 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Skills & Technologies

Requirements

Experience
1+ 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 within the Starfall Engineering organization at SpaceX, the individual will focus on designing and implementing software and firmware for advanced avionics systems, ensuring their reliability and performance. Proficiency in C++ or C is essential, along with experience in microcontroller development and a solid understanding of computer architecture. This position is ideal for motivated engineers who thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to contribute to innovative aerospace solutions. The team values diverse backgrounds, encouraging fresh perspectives to tackle complex challenges.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze July 21, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 27, 2026.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
  • Starts above 26% of 133 comparable mid other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $125,000 across 19 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 6.7% of 3188 comparable mid other roles in United States; Microcontrollers appears in 0.2% of 3188 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 1 year of relevant experience for this Software Engineer (Starfall) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C, C++, Linux, Microcontrollers, bash.
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 (Starfall) 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 (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:

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

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