Lead Software Engineer (Full Stack) - Build Reliability

spacex

Hawthorne, CA · Hawthorne · United States

Posted May 19, 2026

Other
Process Development

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.

LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER (FULL STACK) - BUILD RELIABILITY

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer to design, develop, and continuously improve software solutions ensuring our vehicles can be built and flown reliably. This involves streamlining manufacturing quality control processes, simplifying new product introduction, ensuring product traceability, as well as optimizing rocket and spacecraft reusability across the Falcon, Dragon, and Starship programs.

As a Lead Software Engineer on our Build Reliability team, you will be responsible for driving architectural direction and roadmap execution, as well as supporting the technical and personal development of the other Software Engineers on the team. Functionally, you will engage with other SpaceX engineers to discover their needs and write highly reliable software which turns them into reality. You will be responsible for the complete life-cycle of the software you create, including development, testing, and support. You are the engineer that other engineers can count on; you are technical, you attack every problem with enthusiasm; you remove hurdles.

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:

Directly manage a team of software engineers
Own all aspects including the delivery and support of the Build Reliability software roadmap, which is consumed by users across SpaceX
Track usage of Applications and features and suggest/implement features to improve them
Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
Maintain high standards of excellence and never settle for the status quo

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other engineering discipline and 5+ years of professional software development experience; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience mentoring and growing employees
Experience as an architect - proven ability to design and implement robust and scalable systems with flexible and scalable UI that meets future needs
Experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java, or similar object-oriented language
Experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
Expertise in designing software systems
Expertise in testing and infrastructure
Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
Experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
Experience collaborating across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers/managers
Experience with communication and teamwork
Experience with software engineering fundamentals (object-oriented programming, networking, and working in a team development environment)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Must be willing to travel – up to 10%

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Lead Software Engineer: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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, stock options, 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:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.