Sr. Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, US
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level software engineers who thrive in high-autonomy roles and want to impact large-scale development systems, with fluency in Python, C++, Rust, or Go.

Best fit for

  • Engineers who excel in designing scalable systems for large developer teams.
    — “design, maintain, and scale the systems which enable hundreds of engineers
  • Candidates comfortable with hands-on troubleshooting across complex software stacks.
    — “Hands-on integration and troubleshooting across the entire Starship software stack
  • Problem-solvers who identify gaps and own solutions end-to-end.
    — “identify the biggest problems facing the team, and own solutions from start to finish

Things to consider

  • Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as needed.
    — “Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
  • Requires eligibility for U.S. export-controlled work due to ITAR.
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations

How to stand out

  • Demonstrate experience with Bazel or similar build systems in past projects.
    — “Skill with Bazel or similar build systems
  • Highlight tools you've built that scaled to hundreds of daily users.
    — “Experience building tools and infrastructure that impacts hundreds of engineers daily
  • Showcase AI-assisted development tools you've used or implemented.
    — “Experience with AI-assisted development tools and interest in applying AI
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

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

What success looks like

  • enable reliable software delivery
  • scale CI systems
Typical background
software engineeringdevops

Skills & requirements

Required

Continuous IntegrationSoftware DevelopmentBuild Systems

Preferred

AI In Software Development

Stack & domain

BazelPythonC++RustGoAi-assisted Development ToolsCritical ThinkingFirst-principles Problem-solvingWritten And Verbal Communication

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.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION (STARSHIP)

As a Sr. 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:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    

Software Engineering/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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 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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