Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

Starbase, TX Aerospace Full-time Posted Aug 12, 2026
Apply on SpaceX (opens in a new tab) Sourced via boards.greenhouse.io · Posted 2026-08-12

About this role

SpaceX is hiring a Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship), full-time, on-site in Starbase, TX, in the Aerospace sector.

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 .

Description from SpaceX's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

Apply on SpaceX Applications go directly to SpaceX. Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. Starlink and Starship. Hawthorne, CA.

Ready to apply?
Apply on SpaceX (opens in a new tab) You'll be redirected to boards.greenhouse.io to complete your application.

Not the one? Get new Aerospace roles by email, weekday mornings, only when something new lands.

Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

SONY HONDA MOBILITYFISKERSHRM-CP1,000+ HIRES

Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)

Read Larry's guides →
Job no longer open? Let me know

Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.