Lead Software Engineer, Starship Manufacturing (Application Software)

spacex

Starbase, TX · Starbase · United States

Posted Jul 27, 2026

Other
Application Software

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, STARSHIP MANUFACTURING (APPLICATION SOFTWARE)

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX – we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service.

Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship as well as designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink. Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets to manage the world’s largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

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. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

As a Lead Software Engineer on the Application Software team, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of highly skilled engineers both from a technical and personnel development perspective.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly manage a team of software engineers
Own all aspects, including prioritization, implementation, and delivery, of a system roadmap
Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
Develop highly reliable and available software systems
Maintain highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
Collaborate with other leaders in the department, and across the company, to ensure success for SpaceX

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 3+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
1+ years of experience with object-oriented programming
1+ years of experience with leading software teams or projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Java, or similar object-oriented language
Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
4+ years of experience building single page web applications
Expertise in designing software systems
Expertise in testing and infrastructure
Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
Domain expertise in manufacturing systems
Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
Able to collaborate across group and department lines with a wide range of engineers and managers, including networking and working in a team development environment
Excellent communication and teamwork skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Must be willing to travel when needed

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.