SpaceX was established with the conviction that a future where humans explore the vast universe is infinitely more thrilling than one where we don’t. The company is committed to developing technologies that will enable human life on Mars, with the aim of making this vision a reality.
FALL 2023 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP/CO-OP
SpaceX is currently seeking exceptional students to join its Fall 2023 software engineering internship/co-op program. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced mentors and other professionals on projects that have a significant impact. Additionally, you will be able to participate in optional social and professional events to network with fellow interns and employees. Applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and a desire to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom are encouraged to apply. Aerospace experience is not a requirement; rather, the company is seeking smart, motivated, and collaborative engineers who are passionate about problem-solving and making a difference on a truly inspiring mission.
Internship opportunities are available across a range of software engineering teams in various locations, including Brownsville, TX; Cape Canaveral, FL; Hawthorne (Los Angeles), CA; Irvine, CA; McGregor (Waco), TX; and Redmond (Seattle), WA.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following basic qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program, or within six months of graduation at the start of employment
- At least three months of experience in software programming or development
- Proficiency in software coding using one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following qualifications:
- A GPA of 3.5 or above
- A minimum of 6 months of experience in developing and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications and projects
- A strong foundational knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Experience in software documentation, including creating system diagrams and enumerating software requirements
- Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
- Strong interpersonal skills, such as leadership in a student organization or successful teamwork experience
- The ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- The ability to work both independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the basic qualifications, the following requirements must also be met:
- Available to work full-time, on-site for at least 12 consecutive weeks starting in August or September 2023.
- For positions located in Brownsville, Cape Canaveral, and McGregor, candidates must be able to provide their own transportation.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The pay range for the Software Engineering Intern position varies depending on the academic level of the candidate, as follows:
- Software Engineering Intern/Freshman/Sophomore: $30.00/hour
- Software Engineering Intern/Junior/Senior: $34.00/hour
- Software Engineering Intern/Completed Bachelor’s: $36.00/hour
- Software Engineering Intern/Completed Master’s: $38.00/hour
- Software Engineering Intern/Completed PhD: $40.00/hour
In addition to competitive pay, SpaceX offers a comprehensive total rewards package to its interns, which includes a stipend to subsidize relocation costs, access to medical coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Interns also have the opportunity to attend presentations from company leaders, participate in social and networking events, and engage in professional and personal development trainings. Paid company holidays are also provided, with 10 or more paid holidays per year.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To comply with U.S. Government export regulations for space technology, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For further information about the ITAR, please visit the provided link.
SpaceX is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, without regard to 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. Employment with SpaceX is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and these factors alone will influence the hiring decisions.
Candidates who wish to review SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or need reasonable accommodation during the application/interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
TEAM DESCRIPTIONS:
These are the current software engineering internship opportunities available at SpaceX:
- Application software: Developing systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship, designing the next generation manufacturing software for Starlink, and creating platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets.
- Dragon software: Developing, analyzing, and verifying mission-critical software configurations that fly Dragon Crewed and Cargo vehicles. Ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected and troubleshooting flight software when necessary.
- Product security: Securing Starlink software and hardware by developing skills in exploit development or mitigation, security architecture design, firmware security, software development, or operating system security.
- Silicon engineering: Designing and developing custom-developed semiconductor solutions, including system architecture, full flow IC development, RF and PCB development, custom packaging, integration and test, SW development, and semiconductor qualification.
- Spacecraft software: Building highly reliable in-space networks, designing secure systems for guaranteed access to space, and creating autonomous satellite operation systems.
- Starlink software: Building next-generation networking technologies to direct data through an ever-changing network of satellites, ground stations, and users.
- Starship software: Building and testing control systems, network, and operational software for Starship, the Super Heavy Booster, and launch pads in Starbase.
Each opportunity has its own specific focus and requirements, but all are looking for talented, driven, and collaborative engineers to contribute to SpaceX’s inspiring mission.
