Software Engineer (Falcon)
SpaceX
Software Engineering
hawthorne, ca, usa
USD 120k-170k / year + Equity
Posted on Nov 27, 2025
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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER (FALCON)
As a Software Engineer on the Falcon team, you will develop, analyze, and verify the mission-critical software that fly’s our rockets. You will partner cross-functionally to ensure the software is configured to each mission's specifications and needs. You will be responsible for ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected and troubleshoot flight software when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch rockets frequently, safely, and reliably.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, execute, and analyze the software configuration and state machines for the software systems that fly our rockets
- Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, automated data review, and automated configuration verification
- Analyze test results and bugs that require in-depth investigations
- Hands-on integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware/software systems
- Occasional travel to launch sites and customer sites for testing and/or operations
- Support launch operations by sitting on console in mission control
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline
- 2+ years of experience in software development
- Development experience with a programming language, such as Python, Perl, Ruby, MATLAB, C/C++
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Fluency in Linux, including bash shell scripting and network troubleshooting
- Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems
- Experience with software documentation, creating system diagrams, and enumerating software requirements, and state machines
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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, stock options, 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.