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Starship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

INTEGRATION ENGINEER, HEATSHIELD (STARSHIP) Starship requires a robust Thermal Protection System (TPS) to withstand the extreme heat generated during atmospheric reentry at hypersonic speeds. The ...

WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, HEATSHIELD (STARSHIP) Starship requires a robust Thermal Protection System (TPS) to withstand the extreme heat generated during atmospheric reentry at hypersonic speeds. The ...

WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP) SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket, collectively known as Starship, is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry ...

$90 - $120/hr

The Starship Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. The engineers of this team are hardware experts for valves, regulators ...

New

BUILD ENGINEER (STARSHIP MECHANISMS) The Starship Mechanisms Engineering teams work with design and drive tooling and automation, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and integration of the most ...

Showing results 41-60

Starship information

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$11

$26

$53

How much do starship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for starship in the United States is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a starship?

A Starship job typically refers to a position related to SpaceX’s Starship program, which is focused on developing a fully reusable spacecraft for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Jobs in this field span various disciplines, including engineering, manufacturing, software development, and operations. Employees work on cutting-edge aerospace technology, contributing to spacecraft design, testing, and launch operations. If you're interested in working on next-generation space exploration, a Starship job may be a great fit.

What is a starship engineer?

Starship engineers are professionals who design, build, and maintain spacecraft, particularly those involved with SpaceX's Starship program. They work on creating advanced rockets and spacecraft systems capable of carrying humans and cargo to destinations like the Moon and Mars. Their responsibilities include structural analysis, propulsion development, avionics, and integration of new technologies to ensure the spaceship is safe, efficient, and reusable. These engineers often collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to solve complex aerospace challenges. A background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields is typically required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a starship engineer?

To thrive as a Starship Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and systems integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, propulsion systems, avionics, and industry-standard safety certifications is essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and adapt to complex challenges. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of advanced spacecraft in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working on the starship program, and how are they addressed within the team?

Engineers working on the Starship program often encounter challenges related to rapid prototyping, strict deadlines, and the integration of novel technologies. The fast-paced environment requires strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, with frequent design iterations and testing. To address these challenges, teams hold daily stand-ups, utilize agile methodologies, and foster a culture of open communication, ensuring that problems are identified and resolved quickly. This collaborative approach helps maintain project momentum and supports continuous learning and innovation.

What is the difference between Starship vs Flight Controller?

AspectStarshipFlight Controller
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized aerospace certificationsEngineering or technical degree, aerospace certifications
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft development, launch sites, mission controlMission control centers, ground stations, aerospace facilities
Industry UsageSpace exploration, commercial spaceflightMission operations, spacecraft monitoring

Starship and Flight Controller roles are both integral to space missions. Starship involves designing and building spacecraft, while Flight Controllers manage and monitor missions from ground control. The two roles often collaborate but differ in focus: one on development, the other on operational oversight.

More about Starship jobs

What cities are hiring for Starship jobs?

Cities with the most Starship job openings:

What states have the most Starship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Starship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Starship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,588 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARSHIP)
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.
As a Software Engineer on the Starship Software team, you will design, develop, and test software that is used to both control and simulate SpaceX flight systems. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to implement and debug software at all layers of our stack - application, operating system, networking, firmware, simulation - to achieve the 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 a super inspiring mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations required to validate them
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and integration to the mission
  • Work with counterpart engineering teams to develop and maintain launch and vehicle software, crossing all required software domains necessary to implement and verify control of the pad, ship, and booster to meet mission objectives
  • Follow and maintain high software standards and software engineering best practices within Starship Software

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Proven skills and knowledge of C++, Rust, or other systems programming language
  • Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems
  • Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, bug-free software
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, fluid systems, motor design, or physical mechanics
  • 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/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineering/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 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

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