SpaceX
Aerospace & DefenseDirect Greenhouse career site

Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon)

Pay
$165,000 – $230,000 per year
Location
Hawthorne, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Senior
Experience
5+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Listed
30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • C/C++
  • real-time embedded systems
  • Linux

Also useful

  • Bash scripting
  • software testing
  • state machines

Stated benefits & perks

  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • 401k
  • Paid parental leave

About the role

As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Dragon team, you will develop, analyze and verify the mission critical software configurations that fly our Dragon Crewed and Cargo vehicles. You will partner cross-functionally to ensure software is configured to each mission's specifications and needs. You will be responsible for ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected, and troubleshoot flight software when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch and fly vehicles frequently, safely and reliably.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, execute, and analyze the code and configuration for the software systems that fly our vehicles
  • Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, automated data review, and automated configuration verification
  • Analyze test results and bugs that require in-depth investigations
  • Troubleshoot flight hardware/software systems with interdisciplinary engineering teams
  • Plan and execute vehicle testing milestones
  • Support mission operations as a flight software specialist
  • Roll out new software changes to the vehicle fleet
  • Occasional travel to launch sites and customer sites for testing and/or operations

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development in lieu of degree
  • 5+ years of software development experience in C/C++

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Knowledge of electronics, controls, motor design, and physical mechanics
  • Strong fluency in Linux, including:
  • Bash shell scripting
  • Network troubleshooting
  • Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems
  • Experience with software documentation, creating system diagrams, and enumerating software requirements
  • Experience with software testing
  • Knowledge of state machines

Additional Requirements

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Pay Range

Sr. Software Engineer: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) role at SpaceX?

The Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) posting at SpaceX states compensation of $165,000 – $230,000 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 Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) job at SpaceX located?

This Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) 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 Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) at SpaceX?

For the Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) role, SpaceX highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with C/C++, real-time embedded systems, Linux. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon) 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.