New Graduate Engineer, Software

About the role

SpaceX is building the technology required to make humanity a multiplanetary species. As a new graduate software engineer, you will own the full life cycle of mission-critical code, from initial design and testing to final deployment. You will be entrusted with writing the software that directly supports vehicle operations and data-intensive analysis in a high-stakes environment. In this position, you will solve complex engineering problems by designing, implementing, and maintaining resilient software solutions. Your work will contribute to the reliability and performance of systems that are integral to launch and mission success. You will engage with challenging technical constraints while helping to advance the state of aerospace software development. This role provides an opportunity to apply your skills to real-world systems that operate at scale under demanding conditions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop autonomous software systems and the simulation environments needed to validate them.
• Manage the end-to-end development process, including design, testing, and mission integration.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams to maintain and evolve vehicle and launch software.
• Contribute to high-performance flight hardware programs based on your specific technical strengths.
• Implement software components that meet strict reliability and performance standards for aerospace applications.
• Analyze system requirements and translate them into technical designs that align with mission objectives.
• Support the integration of software modules within complex distributed architectures used in launch operations.
• Optimize code for execution in resource-constrained and real-time operational contexts.
• Participate in code reviews and testing activities to ensure robustness and correctness of deployed systems.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving software-related issues that arise during testing or mission execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor, master, or PhD degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Must be graduating in 2026 or 2027.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which may involve investigation into criminal, financial, and personal history.
• Willingness to comply with SpaceX policies regarding drug and alcohol testing for sensitive roles.
• Capacity to understand and follow detailed technical instructions in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Commitment to maintaining safety and quality standards for all software deliverables related to aerospace systems.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in C++, Rust, or other systems programming languages.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing.
• History of high performance in competitive environments, such as engineering or math competitions, or top-tier standardized test scores (95th percentile or higher).
• Academic excellence, such as a 3.5/4.0 GPA or receipt of merit-based scholarships.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes responsibilities simultaneously.
• Experience in fast-paced, entrepreneurial, or resource-constrained engineering environments.

Skills & tools

• C++
• Rust
• Systems programming
• Real-time embedded systems
• Distributed computing

Practical notes

• Salary range: $125,000 to $145,000 per year.
• Compensation includes potential long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k), life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Active security clearance holders may work on sensitive missions and will be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
• SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The role is based in a demanding engineering environment where precision and reliability are essential. You will work closely with experienced engineers who rely on accurate software to support mission planning and execution. Your contributions will help ensure that software systems perform as required under challenging conditions. This position involves a significant level of responsibility, and successful candidates must be prepared to handle complex tasks with minimal supervision. You will be expected to adapt quickly to new tools, processes, and technical challenges as the team works toward ambitious project goals. The work may require occasional extended hours to meet critical milestones, and flexibility is essential. Travel is not expected as part of this role based on the current description. Employment is contingent on eligibility for security clearance and compliance with all relevant legal requirements. This opportunity is open to qualified candidates who meet the outlined criteria and are excited to contribute to aerospace software development.