Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

SpaceXStarbase, TX

Recently observed

At a glance: is it worth your time?

  • Is it real? Listed on SpaceX's own job board; JoRoute confirmed it 5 hours ago. Ask first: first posted more than 60 days ago; 60% of this employer's listings are over 60 days old. · checked by JoRoute
  • What it asks: Senior. "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…" "Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 4+ years of professional experience in software development;" +4 more · employer's own words
  • Check before applying: Pay not published; typical listed pay across the U.S.: $187k a year. Ask for the range. Starbase, TX. "Willing to work extended hours and weekends if needed to meet critical deadlines" · pay compared by JoRoute
  • Not sure? Ask someone you trust before you spend time on it: send them the one-page brief. They can open it without an account.
  • Next: One-page brief: what to ask before you apply · Should I apply?

Facts from the employer's board and other listings, not a verdict that the job is safe.

Apply only through the employer's own page. Real employers never ask you to pay to apply or to deposit a check for them. How to spot job scams.

Job type
Not stated by the source
Department
Starship Software Engineering
Salary
Not published by the source
Posted
2026-05-22 · updated 2026-11-03

Description

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. SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARSHIP) As an engineer on the Starship software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight systems for the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to code highly reliable software that allows Starship to become an orbital vehicle. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a mission. 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. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and simulations to validate them • Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and mission integration • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 4+ years of professional experience in software development; OR 6+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree • 4+ years of professional experience C++, Python, or Rust PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Strong software design and development skills • Experience with Rust • Working knowledge of control theory • Experience designing fault tolerant software • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks • Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing • Creative approach to problem solving • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Willing to work extended hours and weekends if needed to meet critical deadlines 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 . SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .