Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Finance)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive medical, vision & dental

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for Application Software (Finance). You will lead a team of engineers, own the system roadmap, and ensure secure, reliable financial software as SpaceX scales across launches and manufacturing.

A strong background in OO languages and finance integrations is preferred. The role emphasizes ownership, collaboration with finance stakeholders, and delivering high-impact solutions in a fast-paced space environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 3+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
• Experience leading software teams or projects
• Experience with object-oriented programming (1+ years)

Responsibilities

• Directly manage a team of software engineers
• Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of a system roadmap
• Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
• Develop highly reliable and available software systems
• Maintain highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
• Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure success for SpaceX

Skills

Object-oriented programming

Leadership

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline

Tools

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

Job description

Lead Software Engineer, Application Software (Finance)

Hawthorne, CA

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

LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER, APPLICATION SOFTWARE (FINANCE)

The finance software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX’s financial operations – we build and maintain the mission-critical applications that power the finance department and ensure our financial systems stay accurate, reliable, and secure as we scale launch, manufacturing, Starlink, AI, and chip design.

Our team designs, owns, and evolves the systems that finance depends on every day – from core financial platforms to the integrations that connect those systems with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and other teams across the company. We work closely with finance stakeholders and partner software teams to ensure data flows cleanly end-to-end, controls stay strong, and our financial systems keep pace with crewed launches, Starship flights, Starlink growth, and everything else that moves the business forward.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

As a Lead Software Engineer on the Application Software team, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of highly skilled engineers both from a technical and personnel development perspective.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly manage a team of software engineers
• Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of a system roadmap
• Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
• Develop highly reliable and available software systems
• Maintain highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
• Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure success for SpaceX

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 3+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
• 1+ years of experience with object-oriented programming
• 1+ years of experience with leading software teams or projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java, or similar object-oriented language
• Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
• 4+ years of experience building single page web applications
• Experience building or integrating with ERP, accounting, or financial planning systems
• Expertise in testing and infrastructure
• Experience with financial data integrity, auditability, and access controls (SOX-aware systems a plus)
• Domain expertise in any of the following:
• Financial systems (GL, AP, AR, close, or FP&A)
• ERP platforms (e.g. SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)
• Financial integrations, data pipelines, or reporting platforms
• Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
• Able to collaborate across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers and managers, including networking and working in a team development environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range: $165,000.00 - $265,000.00

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

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock 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 access to 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 also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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