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Spacex Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. AI Engineer, Special Programs

Washington, DC · On-site

$220K - $350K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree * 5+ years of ...

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Spacex Software Engineer information

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$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do spacex software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex software engineer in Washington is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a SpaceX software engineer do?

A SpaceX Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems that are crucial for the company’s aerospace missions. Their work includes writing code for flight control, simulation, data analysis, and ground systems that support rocket launches and spacecraft operations. SpaceX Software Engineers collaborate with hardware teams, ensure the reliability and safety of mission-critical systems, and solve unique engineering challenges in the aerospace field. Their contributions are essential to the success of SpaceX’s ambitious goals, such as launching rockets, deploying satellites, and enabling crewed missions to space.

What types of projects and technologies do SpaceX software engineers typically work on, and how does this impact daily collaboration within the team?

SpaceX Software Engineers often work on a diverse range of projects, from developing flight software for rockets and spacecraft, to building infrastructure and mission control systems. This requires frequent collaboration with hardware engineers, mission operators, and other software teams to ensure seamless integration and real-time performance. Daily work can involve code reviews, problem solving, and participation in cross-functional meetings to address challenges unique to aerospace, such as real-time data processing and reliability. The fast-paced, mission-driven environment means software engineers play a crucial role in delivering innovative solutions that directly support SpaceX’s launch and mission objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SpaceX software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SpaceX Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (in languages like C++, Python, or Java), a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems, embedded systems, version control (e.g., Git), and experience with aerospace or robotics software frameworks are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this high-stakes, fast-paced environment. These technical and soft skills are crucial for developing reliable code that powers complex space systems and for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to achieve ambitious mission goals.

Does SpaceX have software engineers?

Yes, SpaceX employs software engineers who develop and maintain software systems for rocket control, spacecraft operations, and ground support. These engineers typically work with programming languages like C++, Python, and MATLAB and may require knowledge of aerospace systems and software development processes.

How do I get into SpaceX as a software engineer?

To become a SpaceX software engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, along with strong programming skills in languages like C++, Python, or Java. Relevant experience in aerospace, robotics, or embedded systems, as well as familiarity with real-time operating systems and software development tools, is also important. Applying through the company's careers portal and demonstrating a strong technical background are key steps in the hiring process.

What are popular job titles related to Spacex Software Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Spacex Software Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Spacex Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Spacex Software Engineer job openings:

Spacex Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacex Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Washington, DC • On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

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.
AI SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more.
As an AI Security Software Engineer, you will leverage AI to automate security-related efforts and ensure safe AI integration into new and existing systems. If you are passionate about AI, security, and pushing the limits of combining both together, this role is for you.
Ideally, you have notable skills in the following:
  • Software engineering
  • Agent engineering and security
  • LLM attack surfaces
  • Network and operating system security
  • Incident response and adversary detection

Being flexible, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other engineering teams are paramount to success. If you are passionate about building quality products, love the challenges of outsmarting adversaries, and want to make an impact on an inter-planetary scale, then you will fit right in.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and build security-critical agents for Starshield that automate network and systems defense
  • Leverage AI to discover and fix security issues in Starshield infrastructure and systems
  • Provide guidance and perform testing of AI integrations into new and existing Starshield systems
  • Identify new areas of the program where meaningful security improvements can be gained via automation and AI
  • Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture via both direct implementation and recommendations to other teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree
  • Experience with one or more software development languages (i.e. Python, C++, Golang)
  • Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other enterprise/large-scale infrastructure
  • Experience designing and implementing solutions with LLMs, LLM-based agents, or adjacent AI topics

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity, learn quickly, problem solve, and take ownership of the end result
  • Understanding of core security engineering topics: cryptography, authentication, network security, operating system security
  • Experience designing, prompting, and securing agents that can perform long-running autonomous tasks
  • Experience red-teaming/penetration-testing LLMs, including prompt injection, jailbreaking, and data exfiltration
  • Experience deploying and managing LLMs, including infrastructure and maintenance to ensure reliable, scalable operation
  • Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems
  • Flexibility, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other engineering teams
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team
  • Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline
  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00
Level 2: $150,000.00 - $195,000.00
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:
    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

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About SpaceX

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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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