SpaceX
Aerospace & DefenseDirect Greenhouse career site

Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing)

Location
Starbase, TX · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Lead / Staff
Experience
3+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Listed
30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • object-oriented programming
  • software system design
  • software testing and infrastructure

Also useful

  • Python
  • C#/.NET
  • Go
  • Java
  • Angular
  • React
  • PostgreSQL
  • SQL Server

About the role

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service.

Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship as well as designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink.

Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets to manage the world's largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

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. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

As a Lead Software Engineer on the Application Software team, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of highly skilled engineers both from a technical and personnel development perspective.

Responsibilities

  • Directly manage a team of software engineers
  • Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of a system roadmap
  • Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
  • Develop highly reliable and available software systems
  • Maintain highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
  • Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure success for SpaceX

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 3+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
  • 1+ years of experience with object-oriented programming
  • 1+ years of experience with leading software teams or projects

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Programming experience in Python, C#,.NET, Go, Java, or similar object-oriented language
  • Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
  • Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
  • 4+ years of experience building single page web applications
  • Expertise in designing software systems
  • Expertise in testing and infrastructure
  • Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
  • Domain expertise in manufacturing systems
  • Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
  • Able to collaborate across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers and managers, including networking and working in a team development environment
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Must be willing to travel when needed

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.

About SpaceX

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.

Read the original posting

From SpaceX's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

Rolev.ai is a job search and application tool for US job seekers. For this Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing) role at SpaceX, it shows how your resume fits, tailors your resume to the posting, and prepares the application for you to review.

  • See how you fit

    Openings from employer career sites are ranked against your whole resume—and searchable inside Claude, ChatGPT, and Cursor via Rolev.ai MCP.

  • Tailor without inventing

    Every change to your resume is checked against your original. New experience goes in only with your yes—zero fabricated claims.

  • Draft the full kit

    Tailored and Full Match resumes, role-specific cover letters, and answers to employer screening questions are prepared in seconds.

  • 1-Click Extension Autofill

    The Chrome extension fills the employer's Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, or Ashby form in 1 click. You review it and press Submit.

Common questions

Where is the Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing) job at SpaceX located?

This Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing) position at SpaceX is located in Starbase, TX (On-site). Always check SpaceX's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

What qualifications are required for Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing) at SpaceX?

For the Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing) role, SpaceX highlights 3+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with object-oriented programming, software system design, software testing and infrastructure. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Manufacturing) position at SpaceX?

This listing links directly to SpaceX's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on SpaceX's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.