Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)
- Level
- Senior
Not stated in the posting: salary, work type, visa.
Open. First seen 23 May 2026.
About the role
SpaceX's standard text
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.
SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARSHIP)
As an engineer on the Starship software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight systems for the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to code highly reliable software that allows Starship to become an orbital vehicle. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a 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 a super inspiring mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and simulations to validate them
- Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
- Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and mission integration
- Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 4+ years of professional experience in software development; OR 6+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
- 4+ years of professional experience C++, Python, or Rust
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Strong software design and development skills
- Experience with Rust
- Working knowledge of control theory
- Experience designing fault tolerant software
- Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
- Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
- Creative approach to problem solving
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends if needed to meet critical deadlines
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 (aka 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's standard text
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
What this role asks for
Particular to this role
C++ · Rust
Rare in SpaceX's other 299 open postings.
Standard for software engineering roles
Python
Common in software engineering postings at any company.
73% of this description is written for the role. The rest is SpaceX's standard text, folded away below.
Compared with SpaceX's other open jobs.
The team: Starship Software Engineering HIRES STEADILY
This role is one of 30 open in Starship Software Engineering. 1 was posted in the last 30 days and the oldest in April: a team that hires all year rather than one being built.
WHAT THE TEAM WORKS WITH, ACROSS ITS POSTINGS
Python (25 of 30), Docker (18 of 30), Kubernetes (18 of 30), MLOps (18 of 30), Rust (18 of 30), Golang (16 of 30), C++ (12 of 30)
OTHER ROLES ON THIS TEAM
- Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship) posted Nov 6
- New Graduate Engineer, Software (Starship) posted Sep 8
- New Graduate Engineer, Software (Starship) posted Aug 19
- Sr. Software Engineer, Security (Starship) posted May 22
- Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship) posted May 22
- Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship) posted May 22
- Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship) posted May 22
- Principal Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 21
- Principal Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 21
- Sr. Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 21
- Sr. Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 21
- Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 21
- Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 21
- Sr. Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Sr. Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Sr. Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Principal Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Principal Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Principal Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted May 20
- Principal Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship) posted May 2
- Principal Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship) posted May 2
- Sr. Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship) posted May 2
- Sr. Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship) posted May 2
- Principal Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted Apr 7
- Sr. Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted Apr 7
- Software Engineer (Platform Team) posted Apr 7
From the team and dates on SpaceX's own job board.
Other openings for this role
2 postings for this role in Starbase, TX since 7 March 2026, 1 still open. None has been taken down and posted again.
- 23 May 2026 – open (this posting)
- 7 March 2026 – closed 15 June 2026
See Software Engineer salaries in the United States →
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