Fall 2026 Software Engineering Internship/Co-op
Job description
About the role
About the role SpaceX is looking for motivated students to contribute to mission-critical software projects during the Fall 2026 term. Interns will collaborate with mentors and engineering teams to solve complex problems while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. Key facts
Location: Flexible - Any SpaceX Site
Engagement: Full-time, onsite, 12 consecutive weeks starting August or September 2026
Team: Application Software, Dragon Software, Falcon Software, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), Product Security, Silicon Engineering, Starlink Software, Starshield Software, Starship Software What you'll do
Develop, analyze, and verify software for launch vehicles, spacecraft, and satellite constellations
Build and maintain manufacturing, networking, and operational software systems
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot flight software and ensure mission readiness
Design and test semiconductor solutions or security architectures
Participate in professional development, networking events, and company presentations Requirements
Enrollment in a bachelor or graduate degree program
Minimum 3 months of software development experience
Proficiency in C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
Must be a U.S. The listing location is Flexible
Any SpaceX Site.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Develop, analyze, and verify software for launch vehicles, spacecraft, and satellite constellations
- Build and maintain manufacturing, networking, and operational software systems
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot flight software and ensure mission readiness
- Design and test semiconductor solutions or security architectures
- Participate in professional development, networking events, and company presentations
- Enrollment in a bachelor or graduate degree program
- Minimum 3 months of software development experience
- Proficiency in C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee
- Ability to work full-time onsite for at least 12 weeks
- Provide personal transportation for roles in Bastrop, Cape Canaveral, McGregor, and Vandenberg
- + months of experience deploying software for real-world projects
Requirements
- Interns will collaborate with mentors and engineering teams to solve complex problems while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Key facts
Location: Bastrop, TX; Cape Canaveral, FL; Hawthorne, CA; Irvine, CA; McGregor, TX; Redmond, WA; Starbase, TX; Sunnyvale, Canada
Engagement: Full-time, onsite, 12 consecutive weeks starting August or September 2026
Team: Application Software, Dragon Software, Falcon Software, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), Product Security, Silicon Engineering, Starlink Software, Starshield Software, Starship Software What you'll do
Develop, analyze, and verify software for launch vehicles, spacecraft, and satellite constellations
Build and maintain manufacturing, networking, and operational software systems
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot flight software and ensure mission readiness
Design and test semiconductor solutions or security architectures
Participate in professional development, networking events, and company presentations Requirements
Enrollment in a bachelor or graduate degree program
Minimum 3 months of software development experience
Proficiency in C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
Must be a U.S.
- citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee
- Ability to work full-time onsite for at least 12 weeks
- Provide personal transportation for roles in Bastrop, Cape Canaveral, McGregor, and Vandenberg Nice to have
- GPA of 3.5 or higher - 6+ months of experience deploying software for real-world projects
- Knowledge of computer architecture, networks, and system documentation
- Proficiency in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
- Experience with ASIC design, Verilog/SystemVerilog, or RF circuit design
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills Skills & tools
- C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python
- Embedded systems, operating systems, networking, web application development
- ASIC design, Verilog, SystemVerilog
- Security architecture, firmware security, exploit development Practical notes -
Compensation: $30/hr (Freshman/Sophomore), $34/hr (Junior/Senior), $36/hr (Bachelor's), $38/hr (Master's), $40/hr (PhD)
Benefits include relocation stipend, medical coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, and 10+ paid holidays
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer
About SpaceX
Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.
About the location
The posting places this role in Flexible
Any SpaceX Site. Local hiring markets vary in interview pace and compensation bands. Location copy is here so readers understand the geography attached to the title.