This role pays less than
77%
of similar roles. Most pay
$141,247–$202,800
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$138k
versus about
$172k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
As a Software Engineer (Special Projects) on the Falcon and Dragon Engineering team, you will design and implement software and firmware for next-generation avionics systems. You will manage the full lifecycle of your creations, including development, testing, and operational support to ensure systems behave as expected during launch operations. Your daily work involves bringing up and validating devices that communicate with and fly in space, while troubleshooting flight hardware and software systems through in-depth investigation of test results and bugs. To succeed, you must possess proficiency in C or C++, Linux, and bash shell scripting. You should also have knowledge of computer architecture, networks, NXP microcontrollers, and verification methodologies. This role addresses the critical challenge of ensuring that aerospace systems are launched frequently, safely, and reliably through high-quality software engineering practices.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 775 postings across 63 companies.
LabVIEW
C++
Python
National Instruments
cDAQ
cRIO
PXI
Data Acquisition
Distributed Systems
Network Communication
Unit Testing
Performance Optimization
Debugging