Join SpaceX as a Sr. Software Engineer to develop mission-critical software for Dragon vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable launches.
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
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- Sponsorship available
Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Sr. Software Engineer on the Dragon team at SpaceX, the individual will focus on developing and verifying mission-critical software for the Dragon spacecraft, ensuring it meets specific mission requirements. Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with real-time embedded systems are essential, along with a solid understanding of Linux and troubleshooting skills. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers with a background in software development and a passion for aerospace technology. The team operates in a fast-paced environment, contributing directly to the ambitious goal of enabling human life on Mars.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze June 22, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 9, 2026.
- Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
- Starts above 43% of 112 comparable senior other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $165,000 across 25 companies). See C++ salary trends
- C++ appears in 7% of 2457 comparable senior other roles in United States; bash appears in 0.8% of 2457 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. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Linux, bash, real-time embedded systems.
- 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. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) 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. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (DRAGON)
As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Dragon team, you will develop, analyze and verify the mission critical software configurations that fly our Dragon Crewed and Cargo vehicles. You will partner cross-functionally to ensure software is configured to each mission's specifications and needs. You will be responsible for ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected, and troubleshoot flight software when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch and fly vehicles frequently, safely and reliably.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, execute, and analyze the code and configuration for the software systems that fly our vehicles
- Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, automated data review, and automated configuration verification
- Analyze test results and bugs that require in-depth investigations
- Troubleshoot flight hardware/software systems with interdisciplinary engineering teams
- Plan and execute vehicle testing milestones
- Support mission operations as a flight software specialist
- Roll out new software changes to the vehicle fleet
- Occasional travel to launch sites and customer sites for testing and/or operations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development in lieu of degree
- 5+ years of software development experience in C/C++
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Knowledge of electronics, controls, motor design, and physical mechanics
- Strong fluency in Linux, including:
- Bash shell scripting
- Network troubleshooting
- Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems
- Experience with software documentation, creating system diagrams, and enumerating software requirements
- Experience with software testing
- Knowledge of state machines
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Sr. Software Engineer: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.