New

Software Engineer, Displays Software (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA

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, DISPLAYS SOFTWARE (STARSHIP)

The Starship program is increasing its flight cadence and will soon begin operating more than one vehicle on-orbit at a time. As a member of the Displays team, you’ll work towards building the user interfaces and backend infrastructure to enable this required scaling and concept of fleet operations. Your products are the interfaces that enable vehicle operators to control the pad and vehicle, allow engineering teams to monitor their system performance, and provide astronauts with insight into the vehicle health and mission trajectory. With a strong emphasis on backend development, you’ll design and implement robust systems using C++ while integrating with frontend technologies web component frameworks (Lit) in JavaScript & TypeScript. In this role, you’ll curate smooth user experiences with thoughtful designs while limiting software complexity, ensuring scalable and reliable backend services. Your contributions will directly impact our ability to return humans to the moon and enable human exploration in the final frontier.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and maintain backend systems in C++ to support real-time data processing, interfaces, and networking for mission-critical displays.
  • Create aesthetically and functionally flawless user interfaces using Lit Web Components (JavaScript/TypeScript) that reduce the cognitive load of operators while maintaining high guardrails for safety.
  • Work towards enabling a future that empowers Operators to manage a fleet of vehicles at a time, leveraging technologies like WebSockets, gRPC, and containerization.
  • Design and implement scalable infrastructure using Kubernetes for deployment and orchestration services.
  • Create and apply techniques, tools, and infrastructure that decrease software complexity and mission-over-mission maintenance.
  • Maintain high software standards and software engineering best practices across the full stack.
  • Troubleshoot and develop long-term solutions for technical problems to support customers across all SpaceX sites where Ops Displays are used.
  • Regularly sit with Operators to obtain firsthand feedback on how the team’s products are used and what improvements can be made.
  • Demonstrate a strong attitude to learn and adapt quickly, diving deep into new technologies as needed to become an expert in evolving backend challenges (while prior expertise in key areas is a plus).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Development experience in C++, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Python.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 2+ years of experience in software development.
  • Strong backend expertise in C++, including experience with high-performance, real-time systems.
  • Working knowledge of interfaces, networking, and modern development practices. 
  • Experience with frontend frameworks like Lit, and proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, and CSS.
  • Familiarity with vector and motion graphics, including SVG, HTML5 Canvas, WebGL, and CSS.
  • Hands-on experience with networking protocols (e.g., WebSockets, gRPC), containerization (e.g., Docker), and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes).
  • Experience with development for mobile platforms or cross-platform interfaces.
  • Proven track record of quickly learning new technologies and applying them effectively to solve complex problems.
  • Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, bug-free software.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Able to work well in an integrated engineering environment, including frequent interactions with engineers and managers of other engineering disciplines.
  • Able to prioritize and execute tasks with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Located in Hawthorne, with frequent travel to Starbase.
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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. 

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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