Principal Software Engineer, Continuous Integration (Starship)
SpaceX· Aerospace· May 1, 2026 · 6mo agoPosted 179 days ago
Hawthorne, CA · Starbase, TX
In office
Full-time
Principal
$200K–$285K
7+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since May 1, 2026 — 179 days, and still accepting applications.
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. PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION (STARSHIP)
As a Principal Software Engineer on the Starship Continuous Integration team, you will own the tools that power Starship software development. You will design, maintain, and scale the systems which enable hundreds of engineers to integrate their changes and deliver reliable software to all Starship vehicles and launch pads on a continuous basis. This is a high-autonomy role and we are looking for people who want to work closely with peers, identify the biggest problems facing the team, and own solutions from start to finish!
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to be a force multiplier for building world class software that is critical to SpaceX’s mission to make life multiplanetary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Invent tools and processes which enable fast and correct software development.
Hands-on integration and troubleshooting across the entire Starship software stack.
Collaborate with counterpart teams to design, maintain, and continuously improve a dedicated pool of on-premises compute.
Identify areas for improvement and create innovative solutions that enable the software team to tackle all challenges facing the Starship program as we develop the world’s first fully reusable rocket and spacecraft.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
7+ years of software engineering experience and a Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 9+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Skill with Bazel or similar build systems
Fluency in Python, C++, Rust, or Go
Experience building tools and infrastructure that impacts hundreds of engineers daily
Experience with AI-assisted development tools and interest in applying AI to improve code quality, testing, and development workflows
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: Principal Software Engineer: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00/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:
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 .
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- Platform
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave