Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SpaceX is looking for a Software Engineer for the Flight Software team in Union Hill-Novelty Hill, Washington. This role involves designing, developing, and testing software for controlling flight and ground systems. In a dynamic environment, you will engage with various engineering teams to deliver highly reliable software solutions for an ambitious mission.

Responsibilities include developing autonomous software systems, working on software for vehicles in space, and leading the entire software development lifecycle. Compensation ranges from $125,000 to $175,000 per year based on experience and level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Development experience in C/C++, Python, or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems.
• Design software for both vehicles and ground systems.
• Build prototypes and analyze system metrics.
• Own all aspects of software development.
• Provide strong technical leadership.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Debugging skills

Performance optimization

Linux programming

Education

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

2+ years of experience in software development

Job description

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

Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

As an engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world’s largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission.

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 an ambitious and inspiring mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness
• Design software for both vehicles flying in space and the ground systems that support them
• Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations
• Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline or 2+ years of experience in software development
• Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong software design and development skills
• Experience designing fault‑tolerant, distributed, or real‑time systems
• Cross‑context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware‑in‑the‑loop regression and exploratory tests
• Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
• Familiarity with Linux programming
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution‑oriented manner

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:

• Software Engineer, Flight Software/Level I: $125,000.00 – $145,000.00 per year
• Software Engineer, Flight Software/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 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, 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) 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 the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability 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 [e-mail].