EngineeringOn-site

Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

SpaceX · On-site

Apply

Last seen by MeritLog September 9, 2026Source: GreenhouseSource version: greenhouse-job-board-v1

MeritLog read this listing from SpaceX's Greenhouse job board and last checked it on September 9, 2026.

Source: the employer's Greenhouse job board. Open the original listing for current details.

Job details

Work model: On-site
Salary: Not listed by source
Location: Starbase, TX
Occupation: Software Developers(O*NET 15-1252.00)

Hiring context

How this role compares at SpaceX

SpaceX has 2,348 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 11 job families, and 1,416 of them are in engineering. 197 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 8%.

SpaceX concentrates this hiring in:

Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.

What the role asks for

What you'd do

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

What they're asking for

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 degreeEducation
4+ years of professional experience C++, Python, or RustExperience
Strong software design and development skillsSkillPreferred
Experience with RustSkillPreferred
Working knowledge of control theorySkillPreferred
Experience designing fault tolerant softwareSkillPreferred
Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networksSkillPreferred
Knowledge of physics, math, and electronicsSkillPreferred
Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testingSkillPreferred
Creative approach to problem solvingSkillPreferred
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirementsSkillPreferred
Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectivelySkillPreferred
Willing to work extended hours and weekends if needed to meet critical deadlinesSkillPreferred
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.SkillPreferred

Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.

Job description

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 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.