SpaceX Hiring New Grad Software Engineer (Starship)

About SpaceX

SpaceX was founded on the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we do not. Today, SpaceX is actively developing technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Job Overview

Our team is tackling some of the most challenging and ambitious projects on Earth, working to make humanity multiplanetary. The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket, together known as Starship, are a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Starship will be the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying more than 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

As a Software Engineer on the Starship Software team, you will design, develop, and test software used to control and simulate SpaceX flight systems. You will collaborate with other software and hardware engineers to implement and debug software across all layers of our stack, including application, operating system, networking, firmware, and simulation. Our development timelines are fast, and you will need to rigorously explore solutions for previously unsolved problems. Every day, we push the limits of what is possible through innovation, determination, and teamwork.

Aerospace experience is not required. We look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an inspiring mission.

Responsibilities

• Expect a dynamic role where you do what you do best. Our team builds high-performance flight hardware, and you will be aligned to the part of the program where you can contribute most effectively.
• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations required to validate them.
• Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and integration to the mission.
• Work with counterpart engineering teams to develop and maintain launch and vehicle software.
• Get a front-row seat to witness an impossible idea become reality. The next few years will be dynamic as we transition from building hardware to flying reusable rockets to orbit and deploying complex satellites.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
• Graduating with a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in 2027.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proven skills and knowledge of C++, Rust, or other systems programming languages.
• Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems.
• Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, bug-free software.
• Strong critical thinking and first-principles problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment while assuming high levels of responsibility and demonstrating accountability for software outcomes.
• Experience working at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints.
• Excelled in ultra-competitive environments, such as podium finishes in engineering, math, or science competitions, top percentile scores on standardized tests, or other incredible feats of intellectual achievement.
• Succeeded in multiple endeavors at once, such as working through college, being a student athlete, or demonstrating strong performance in multiple fields.
• Demonstrated rapid growth, holding successive positions of increasing responsibility and accomplishing something meaningfully difficult early in your career.
• Success in academics at a rigorous and highly regarded university, with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher, standardized test scores at the 95th percentile or above, or merit-based scholarship recipient.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year; Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, including company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an 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 ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, 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 [email protected].