Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

SpaceX develops technologies to enable human life on Mars, focusing on space exploration and transportation systems.
Hawthorne, CA, USA
$160,000 - $220,000
Embedded
Senior Software Engineer
In-Person
5,000+ Employees
4+ years of experience
Space

Description For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join their Starship Flight Software team in Hawthorne, CA. This role is at the forefront of space exploration technology, working on the world's most powerful launch vehicle designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond.

The position involves developing critical flight software systems for the Starship program, which aims to revolutionize space transportation through fully reusable technology capable of carrying over 100 metric tons to Earth orbit. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software that controls and simulates SpaceX flight systems.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work across multiple software domains – from application level to operating systems, networking, and firmware. You'll collaborate with both software and hardware engineers to implement and debug complex systems that directly impact mission success. What makes this position particularly exciting is that aerospace experience isn't required; instead, SpaceX values smart, motivated engineers who excel at problem-solving and want to contribute to humanity's space exploration goals.

The compensation package is competitive, ranging from $160,000 to $220,000 per year, complemented by comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, stock options, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The position offers significant growth potential within SpaceX's innovative environment, where you'll work on cutting-edge technology that's literally pushing the boundaries of human achievement.

The role requires strong programming skills in C++, Python, or Rust, with experience in real-time embedded systems or distributed computing. You'll be working in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will directly impact the development of spacecraft designed to make human life multi-planetary. This is an ideal position for someone who wants to combine their software engineering expertise with a truly meaningful mission of enabling human exploration of space.

Last updated 21 hours ago

Responsibilities For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

  • 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
  • Define and lead impactful projects that enable the mission of Starship
  • Continuously improve software standards and software engineering best practices within Starship Software

Requirements For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

Python
Rust
Linux
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 4+ years of experience in software development; or 6+ years of professional experience
  • 4+ years of experience C++, Python, or Rust
  • Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems
  • Experience designing fault tolerant software
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
  • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networking
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, fluid systems, motor design, or physical mechanics
  • Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed

Benefits For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

Medical Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
401k
Equity
Parental Leave
  • Medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Short & long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks paid vacation
  • 10+ paid holidays per year
  • 5 days sick leave per year
  • Stock options
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Discretionary bonuses

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