Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 22, 2026. SpaceX scores A on the Alion truth index.
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
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:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].