Software Engineer, Displays Software (Starship)

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, DISPLAYS SOFTWARE (STARSHIP)

The Starship program is increasing its flight cadence and will soon begin operating more than one vehicle on-orbit at a time. As a member of the Displays team, you’ll work towards building the user interfaces and backend infrastructure to enable this required scaling and concept of fleet operations. Your products are the interfaces that enable vehicle operators to control the pad and vehicle, allow engineering teams to monitor their system performance, and provide astronauts with insight into the vehicle health and mission trajectory. With a strong emphasis on backend development, you’ll design and implement robust systems using C++ while integrating with frontend technologies web component frameworks (Lit) in JavaScript & TypeScript. In this role, you’ll curate smooth user experiences with thoughtful designs while limiting software complexity, ensuring scalable and reliable backend services. Your contributions will directly impact our ability to return humans to the moon and enable human exploration in the final frontier.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain backend systems in C++ to support real-time data processing, interfaces, and networking for mission-critical displays.
• Create aesthetically and functionally flawless user interfaces using Lit Web Components (JavaScript/TypeScript) that reduce the cognitive load of operators while maintaining high guardrails for safety.
• Work towards enabling a future that empowers Operators to manage a fleet of vehicles at a time, leveraging technologies like WebSockets, gRPC, and containerization.
• Design and implement scalable infrastructure using Kubernetes for deployment and orchestration services.
• Create and apply techniques, tools, and infrastructure that decrease software complexity and mission-over-mission maintenance.
• Maintain high software standards and software engineering best practices across the full stack.
• Troubleshoot and develop long-term solutions for technical problems to support customers across all SpaceX sites where Ops Displays are used.
• Regularly sit with Operators to obtain firsthand feedback on how the team’s products are used and what improvements can be made.
• Demonstrate a strong attitude to learn and adapt quickly, diving deep into new technologies as needed to become an expert in evolving backend challenges (while prior expertise in key areas is a plus).

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.
• Development experience in C++, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Python.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of experience in software development.
• Strong backend expertise in C++, including experience with high-performance, real-time systems.
• Working knowledge of interfaces, networking, and modern development practices. 
• Experience with frontend frameworks like Lit, and proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Familiarity with vector and motion graphics, including SVG, HTML5 Canvas, WebGL, and CSS.
• Hands-on experience with networking protocols (e.g., WebSockets, gRPC), containerization (e.g., Docker), and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes).
• Experience with development for mobile platforms or cross-platform interfaces.
• Proven track record of quickly learning new technologies and applying them effectively to solve complex problems.
• Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, bug-free software.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work well in an integrated engineering environment, including frequent interactions with engineers and managers of other engineering disciplines.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Located in Hawthorne, with frequent travel to Starbase.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:         
Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00