EngineeringOn-site

Sr. Software Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX · On-site

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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: $165,000 – $230,000 per year
Location: Hawthorne, CA
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%.

This role's posted range of $165,000 – $230,000 per year sits above 67% of the 195 other SpaceX roles quoted over the same currency and period.

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

Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware for common processors and micro-controllers
Support launch operations
Collaborate with peers and customers
Bring up and validate devices that communicate-to and fly-in space
Analyze test results and bugs which require in-depth investigations
Hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems
Work in a dynamic environment with changing needs, requirements, and challenges

What they're asking for

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in writing software in lieu of a degreeEducation
5+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languagesExperience
Development experience with microcontrollersSkillPreferred
Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++SkillPreferred
Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networksSkillPreferred
Familiarity with NXP microcontrollersSkillPreferred
Commitment to high standard of software development, including adherence to software process and best practicesSkillPreferred
Linux and bash shell scriptingSkillPreferred
Understanding of verification methodologiesSkillPreferred
Excellent communication & documentation skills, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environmentsSkillPreferred
Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlinesSkillPreferred

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 (STARFALL) As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Starfall Engineering organization, you will design and implement software and firmware for the next generation of avionics systems at SpaceX. You will be responsible for ensuring your system behaves as expected and troubleshoot when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch SpaceX systems frequently, safely, and reliably. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers. Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Design and deliver high-quality software and firmware for common processors and micro-controllers • Support launch operations • Collaborate with peers and customers • Bring up and validate devices that communicate-to and fly-in space • Analyze test results and bugs which require in-depth investigations • Hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems • Work in a dynamic environment with changing needs, requirements, and challenges BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in writing software in lieu of a degree • 5+ years of experience in software development with C++ or C languages PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Development experience with microcontrollers • Strong software engineering fundamentals in C++ • Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks • Familiarity with NXP microcontrollers • Commitment to high standard of software development, including adherence to software process and best practices • Linux and bash shell scripting • Understanding of verification methodologies • Excellent communication & documentation skills, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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, 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. 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.

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