This role pays less than
85%
of similar roles. Most pay
$145,000–$217,500
— the shaded 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
788 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 555 roles with salary data.
Software Engineer (Starshield) - Top Secret Clearance works on the Starshield team to develop software that securely operates a constellation of thousands of satellites for national security missions. The role involves managing the full development lifecycle, from prototyping and testing to on-orbit rollout, while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to build capabilities like sensor integration, inter-satellite lasers, and space-based cloud compute. Candidates will write high-quality Linux-based C++ software for various microcontrollers and processors, develop embedded cryptography applications, build automated ground systems for command and control, and create models for flight-like testing. The position requires proficiency in C, C++, or Rust, with preferred experience in containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, as well as relational databases such as PostgreSQL. This role addresses the critical need for reliable information delivery and secure network infrastructure within the defense sector.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 1006 postings across 72 companies.
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure
C++
Python
C
Linux
TCP
UDP
ARM
PowerPC
x86
Machine Learning
Unit Testing
Hardware-in-the-loop
Computer Architecture
Networking Protocols
Data Processing
Simulation