This role pays more than
59%
of similar roles. Most pay
$145,000–$202,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$192k
versus about
$174k
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
790 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 555 roles with salary data.
As a Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship), you will join the Starship Software team to design, develop, and test software used to control and simulate SpaceX flight systems. You will own all aspects of development, including design, testing, and integration across multiple layers such as application, operating system, networking, firmware, and simulation. Your daily work involves building highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations required to validate them while collaborating with hardware engineers to manage pad, ship, and booster controls. The role requires proficiency in C++, Python, or Rust, along with experience in real-time embedded systems, distributed computing, fault-tolerant software, and performance optimization. You will solve complex problems related to spacecraft and rocket flight systems to ensure mission success for the Starship vehicle and Super Heavy rocket.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 954 postings across 73 companies.
Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems for flight operations.
Create simulations required to validate autonomous software systems.
Own all aspects of software development including design, testing, and integration.
Implement and debug software across application, operating system, networking, firmware, and simulation layers.
Maintain launch and vehicle software to ensure control of the pad, ship, and booster.
Define and lead impactful projects that enable the Starship mission.
Improve software standards and engineering best practices within the team.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science and 4+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience without a degree.
4+ years of experience with C++, Python, or Rust.
Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems (preferred).
C++
Python
Rust
Control Theory
Computer Architecture
Networks
Fault Tolerant Software
Unit Testing
Performance Optimization
Simulation
Software Design
Debugging
C++
Rust
Systems Programming
Real-time Embedded Systems
Distributed Computing
Firmware
Networking
Simulation
Electronics
Fluid Systems
Motor Design
Physical Mechanics
C++
Rust
Systems Programming
Real-time Embedded Systems
Distributed Computing
Firmware
Networking
Simulation
Electronics
Software Engineering Best Practices