Principal Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at senior engineers who want high autonomy in scaling build systems for aerospace software, requiring on-site work in Starbase with long hours.

Best fit for

  • Senior engineers who thrive in high-autonomy roles designing scalable developer tools.
    — “This is a high-autonomy role and we are looking for people who want to work closely with peers, identify the biggest problems facing the team, and own solutions from start to finish!
  • Build system experts fluent in Python, C++, Rust, or Go seeking mission-critical impact.
    — “Fluency in Python, C++, Rust, or Go
  • Tooling architects who optimize workflows for large engineering teams.
    — “Experience building tools and infrastructure that impacts hundreds of engineers daily

Things to consider

  • US citizenship or permanent residency is mandatory due to ITAR restrictions.
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident
  • Extended work hours including weekends are explicitly expected.
    — “Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed

How to stand out

  • Showcase AI-assisted development experience in improving code quality or testing.
    — “Experience with AI-assisted development tools and interest in applying AI to improve code quality, testing, and development workflows
  • Highlight specific instances where you scaled build systems for large teams.
    — “design, maintain, and scale the systems which enable hundreds of engineers to integrate their changes
  • Demonstrate first-principles problem-solving in complex CI/CD environments.
    — “Strong critical thinking and first-principles problem-solving skills
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

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

What success looks like

  • design_and_maintain_continuous_integration_systems
  • troubleshoot_across_entire_software_stack
  • collaborate_with_teams_to_improve_infrastructure
  • identify_and_solve_challenges_in_software_development
Typical background
7+ years of software engineering experiencebachelor's_degree_in_computer_science_or_related_field

Skills & requirements

Required

Software_engineeringContinuous_integrationSoftware_developmentProblem_solvingCollaboration_skillsCommunication_skills

Preferred

Ai_in_software_development

Stack & domain

BazelPythonC++RustGo

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.

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION (STARSHIP)

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Starship Continuous Integration team, you will own the tools that power Starship software development. You will design, maintain, and scale the systems which enable hundreds of engineers to integrate their changes and deliver reliable software to all Starship vehicles and launch pads on a continuous basis. This is a high-autonomy role and we are looking for people who want to work closely with peers, identify the biggest problems facing the team, and own solutions from start to finish!

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to be a force multiplier for building world class software that is critical to SpaceX’s mission to make life multiplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Invent tools and processes which enable fast and correct software development.

Hands-on integration and troubleshooting across the entire Starship software stack.

Collaborate with counterpart teams to design, maintain, and continuously improve a dedicated pool of on-premises compute.

Identify areas for improvement and create innovative solutions that enable the software team to tackle all challenges facing the Starship program as we develop the world’s first fully reusable rocket and spacecraft.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

7+ years of software engineering experience and a Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 9+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Skill with Bazel or similar build systems

Fluency in Python, C++, Rust, or Go

Experience building tools and infrastructure that impacts hundreds of engineers daily

Experience with AI-assisted development tools and interest in applying AI to improve code quality, testing, and development workflows

Strong critical thinking and first-principles problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Able to work effectively in a dynamic environment while assuming high levels of responsibility and demonstrating accountability for software outcomes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed

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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