SpaceX
Direct Greenhouse career site

Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Procurement)

Location
Hawthorne, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Director
Experience
3+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Listed
18 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • Object-oriented programming
  • Software development
  • Leading software teams or projects

Also useful

  • Python
  • C#
  • .NET
  • Go
  • Java
  • Angular
  • React
  • PostgreSQL

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, designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink and xAI, and refining supply chain software to support the largest AI super computing centers.

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 any of the following:
  • Manufacturing systems
  • Supply Chain systems
  • Warehouse Management 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

Pay Range

$165,000.00 - $265,000.00

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.

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 22, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

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Common questions

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

This Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Procurement) position at SpaceX is located in Hawthorne, CA (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 (Procurement) at SpaceX?

For the Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Procurement) role, SpaceX highlights 3+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with Object-oriented programming, Software development, Leading software teams or projects. 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 (Procurement) 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.