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Spacex Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world ...

SpaceX

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world ...

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Spacex Embedded Software Engineer information

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How much do spacex embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex embedded software engineer in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a SpaceX embedded software engineer do?

A SpaceX Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software that directly interacts with the hardware systems used in rockets, spacecraft, and ground support equipment. Their work ensures that critical components like flight computers, sensors, and actuators operate reliably and efficiently during missions. They write code to manage real-time systems, perform diagnostics, and integrate new technologies, all while adhering to strict safety and performance requirements. Collaboration with hardware engineers and participation in rigorous testing phases are key parts of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SpaceX embedded software engineer?

To thrive as a SpaceX Embedded Software Engineer, you need a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals, embedded systems, and proficiency in languages like C/C++ and Python, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware debuggers, and source control tools such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential for developing reliable, high-performance software that ensures the success and safety of aerospace missions.

What are some common challenges faced by SpaceX embedded software engineers, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Embedded Software Engineers at SpaceX often work on highly complex, safety-critical systems where reliability and performance are paramount. Common challenges include debugging real-time systems, integrating with custom hardware, and ensuring robust fault tolerance under extreme conditions. Applicants can prepare by gaining hands-on experience with low-level programming (such as C/C++), learning real-time operating systems, and practicing troubleshooting with hardware-in-the-loop setups. Strong communication skills are also essential, as the role requires close collaboration with hardware, systems, and testing teams to iterate quickly and resolve issues.

What is the difference between Spacex Embedded Software Engineer vs Aerospace Software Engineer?

AspectSpacex Embedded Software EngineerAerospace Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; experience with embedded systemsBachelor's or higher in Aerospace, Computer, or Electrical Engineering; experience with aerospace systems
Work EnvironmentFast-paced space industry, hardware-software integration, mission-critical systemsAircraft, spacecraft, or satellite development, often in aerospace firms or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageSpaceX, commercial space, aerospace startupsNASA, aerospace contractors, defense agencies

Both roles focus on embedded systems development, but Spacex Embedded Software Engineers typically work on space launch hardware and software integration at SpaceX, while Aerospace Software Engineers may work on a broader range of aerospace systems across various organizations. The core skills overlap, but the industry focus and specific applications differ.

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What job categories do people searching Spacex Embedded Software Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacex Embedded Software Engineer jobs are:

Spacex Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacex Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, Embedded Software (Starlink)

Redmond, WA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, EMBEDDED SOFTWARE (STARLINK)
As an embedded engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world's largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an ambitious and inspiring mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness
  • Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them
  • Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations
  • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development
  • Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team. Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team.
  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems
  • Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests
  • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
  • Familiarity with Linux programming
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer, Flight Software/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer, Flight Software/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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
SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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