below marketmost similar roles pay hereabove market
This role pays less than
80%
of similar roles. Most pay
$142,400–$218,862
— the blue band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$138k
versus about
$181k
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
851 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 590 roles with salary data.
As a Software Engineer (Special Projects) - Top Secret Clearance, you will join the Falcon and Dragon Engineering organization to design and implement software and firmware for next-generation avionics systems. You will manage the full software life cycle, including development, testing, and operational support, while ensuring systems behave as expected. Daily responsibilities include bringing up and validating devices that communicate-to and fly-in space, analyzing test results, and performing hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware. You will utilize C, C++, Linux, and bash shell scripting to support common processors and microcontrollers, specifically NXP microcontrollers. The role requires a deep understanding of computer architecture, networks, and verification methodologies to solve complex problems in vehicle system design and launch operations.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214500 from 1193 postings across 76 companies.
Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware for common processors and micro-controllers.
Support launch operations for SpaceX systems.
Bring up and validate devices that communicate to and fly in space.
Analyze test results and perform in-depth investigations into bugs.
Perform hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware and software systems.
Manage the full software life cycle including development, testing, and operational support.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software experience.
1+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages.
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.
Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee eligible for State Department authorization.
Development experience with microcontrollers (preferred).
Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++ (preferred).
Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks (preferred).
Python
C++
Java
JavaScript
React
Redux
Lit
CI/CD
Docker
Kubernetes
Ansible
Jenkins
Bamboo
MySQL
Oracle
Grafana
Elasticsearch
Linux
Unix
Unit Testing
Full-Stack Development
C++
C
Firmware
Microcontrollers
Linux
Bash Shell Scripting
Computer Architecture
Networks
Verification Methodologies
NXP Microcontrollers
Avionics Systems