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Sr. Aerospace Software Engineer (Starfall)

Design and implement software for next-gen avionics systems at SpaceX, impacting frequent and safe launches.

Location
Hawthorne, CA, United States
Compensation
$165k–$230k/yr
Level
senior
Type
full time

Posted by employer 1 day ago

First seen on Joblaze 10 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 10 hours ago

Skills & Technologies

C++ C bash Linux Flexible on stack

What you'll build

  • Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware
  • Support launch operations
  • Collaborate with peers and customers
  • Analyze test results and bugs
  • Hands-on integration and troubleshooting

Must have

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages

Nice to have

  • Development experience with microcontrollers
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++
  • Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers
  • Linux and bash shell scripting
  • Understanding of verification methodologies

Practical constraints

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed

Requirements

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

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

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

Joblaze summary

In the role of Sr. Aerospace Software Engineer at SpaceX, the individual will focus on designing and implementing software and firmware for advanced avionics systems, ensuring reliability and performance during launch operations. Proficiency in C++ or C, along with experience in microcontroller development, is essential for success in this position. This role is suited for seasoned engineers who thrive in collaborative environments and are eager to contribute to innovative aerospace projects. The team is dynamic, adapting to evolving challenges in the mission to enable human life on Mars.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 14, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page November 14, 2026.
  • Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
  • Starts above 41% of 112 comparable senior other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $165,000 across 21 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 6.1% of 2726 comparable senior other roles in United States; bash appears in 0.9% of 2726 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $165,000–$230,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. Aerospace Software Engineer (Starfall) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C, C++, Linux, 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 senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Sr. Aerospace 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.

SR. AEROSPACE SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARFALL)

As a Sr. 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
  • 5+ 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:
$165,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year

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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