New Graduate Engineer, Software (Application Software)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level software engineers who are recent graduates and have experience in object-oriented programming, with a focus on real-time systems and collaboration across engineering disciplines.

Best fit for

  • Recent STEM graduates with a focus on software development and a collaborative mindset
    — “Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027.
  • Engineers with production software experience and a track record of deploying real-world applications
    — “Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Candidates who are comfortable with rapid iteration and solving complex, mission-critical problems
    — “You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers with diverse perspectives to design and produce solutions.

Things to consider

  • Must be eligible for U.S. Government export regulations, which limits candidate pool
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national...
  • The role demands flexibility in working hours, including extended hours and weekends
    — “Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with real-time software and distributed systems in your resume and interview responses
    — “Develop highly reliable, real-time software.
  • Emphasize your ability to lead code reviews and contribute to architectural decisions
    — “Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Showcase your collaborative spirit and ability to work with cross-functional teams
    — “Collaborate with other engineers, from other engineering disciplines...
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Intern

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • mission critical applications
  • high throughput factories
  • world's largest satellite constellation
Typical background
computer scienceengineeringmath

Skills & requirements

Required

Software DevelopmentReal-time SoftwareCC++PythonObject-oriented LanguagesProblem-solvingCommunication

Preferred

Networking ProtocolsDistributed SystemsSecurity Issues

Stack & domain

CC++PythonC#Object Oriented LanguageNetworking ProtocolsDistributed SystemsSecurity IssuesAI Code VerificationAI Code GovernanceProblem SolvingAnalytical SkillsEngineering FundamentalsCommunication SkillsAbility To Work Effectively In A Dynamic EnvironmentSoftware DevelopmentAICode VerificationCode GovernanceInternet Services

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, SOFTWARE (APPLICATION SOFTWARE)

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX – we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service. We are looking for engineers who treat fellow teammates with fairness, respect, and support.

Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship as well as designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink. Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets to manage the world’s largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, respectful, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers with diverse perspectives to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop highly reliable, real-time software.

Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.

Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.

Collaborate with other engineers, from other engineering disciplines, to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other STEM discipline.

Professional development experience in C, C++, Python, C# or another object oriented language (internship experience is applicable).

Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong professional/project experience writing software in a production environment.

Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.

Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.

Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc) and distributed systems.

Experience in security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00

Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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