SpaceX
Aerospace & DefenseDirect Greenhouse career site

Software Engineer (Starfall)

Pay
$125,000 – $175,000 per year
Location
Hawthorne, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Mid-level
Experience
1+ year
Education
Bachelor's degree
Listed
30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • ITAR eligibility
  • C++
  • embedded software
  • firmware development

Also useful

  • NXP microcontrollers
  • Linux
  • bash scripting

Stated benefits & perks

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • Parental leave

About the role

As a Software Engineer on the Starfall Engineering organization, you will design and implement software and firmware for the next generation of avionics systems at SpaceX. You will be responsible for ensuring your system behaves as expected and troubleshoot when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch SpaceX systems frequently, safely, and reliably.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers. Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware for common processors and micro-controllers
  • Support launch operations
  • Collaborate with peers and customers
  • Bring up and validate devices that communicate-to and fly-in space
  • Analyze test results and bugs which require in-depth investigations
  • Hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems
  • Work in a dynamic environment with changing needs, requirements, and challenges

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in writing software in lieu of a degree
  • 1+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Development experience with microcontrollers
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers
  • Commitment to high standard of software development, including adherence to software process and best practices
  • Linux and bash shell scripting
  • Understanding of verification methodologies
  • Excellent communication & documentation skills, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments

Additional Requirements

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

Pay Range

Level 1: $125,000 - $150,000

Level 2: $145,000 - $175,000

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 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Software Engineer (Starfall) role at SpaceX?

The Software Engineer (Starfall) posting at SpaceX states compensation of $125,000 – $175,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on SpaceX's official career site.

Where is the Software Engineer (Starfall) job at SpaceX located?

This Software Engineer (Starfall) 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 Software Engineer (Starfall) at SpaceX?

For the Software Engineer (Starfall) role, SpaceX highlights 1+ year of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with C++, embedded software, firmware development. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Software Engineer (Starfall) 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.