Spacex software engineer salary: SpaceX Software Engineer Salary | $168K-$375K+

SpaceX Software Engineer Salary | $168K-$375K+

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Vesting Schedule

20%

YR 1

20%

YR 2

20%

YR 3

20%

YR 4

20%

YR 5

Stock Type

RSU

At SpaceX, Main RSUs are subject to a 5-year vesting schedule:

• 20% vests in the 1st-year (20. 00% annually)

• 20% vests in the 2nd-year (10.00% semi-annually)

• 20% vests in the 3rd-year (10.00% semi-annually)

• 20% vests in the 4th-year (10.00% semi-annually)

• 20% vests in the 5th-year (10.00% semi-annually)

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FAQ

What is the highest Software Engineer salary at SpaceX?

The highest paying salary package reported for a Software Engineer at SpaceX sits at a yearly total compensation of $276,750. This includes base salary as well as any potential stock compensation and bonuses.

How much do SpaceX Software Engineer employees get paid?

The median yearly total compensation reported at SpaceX for the Software Engineer role is $173,000.

SpaceX Principal Software Engineer Salary

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Updated August 22, 2022

$120,291yearly

To create our salary estimates, Zippia starts with data published in publicly available sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC) Show More

$57.83 hourly

Entry level Salary

$93,000

yearly

$93,000

10%

$120,291

Median

$154,000

90%

How Much Does SpaceX Pay Principal Software Engineers?

SpaceX pays Principal Software Engineers $120,291 per year on average. This is 10% less than the national average salary for Principal Software Engineers.
Principal Software Engineers make $134,230 per year on average, or $64.53 per hour, in the United States. Principal Software Engineers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $93,000 a year, while the top 10% make $154,000.

Location impacts how much a principal software engineer can expect to make. Principal Software Engineers make the most at SpaceX in Redmond, WA, Hawthorne, CA and undefined.

How Much Does SpaceX Pay Principal Software Engineers By Location?

If you want to get paid the most as a Principal Software Engineer at SpaceX, Redmond, Hawthorne and Cape Canaveral are the best options, as they are the highest-paying cities in this company.

Principal Software Engineer Salaries By Location At SpaceX

Rank	City	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
1	Redmond, WA	$151,391	$72.78
2	Hawthorne, CA	$142,055	$68.30
3	Cape Canaveral, FL	$105,809	$50. 87

Which SpaceX competitors pay principal software engineers the most?

If you want to compare the principal software engineers salaries between SpaceX and some similar companies, being employed by a company such as Sierra Nevada or Orbital Sciences Corporation would be a smart choice, as they are the highest-paying companies in this field. Additionally, companies like United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin also report highly competitive salaries for principal software engineers.

Frequently asked questions about SpaceX Principal Software Engineer salaries.

How Much Does Spacex Pay Principal Software Engineers An Hour?

SpaceX pays principal software engineers $65 an hour, on average.

What Is The Starting Pay For A Principal Software Engineer At Spacex?

The starting pay for a Principal Software Engineer at SpaceX is $98,000 per year, or $47 an hour.

How Much Does Spacex Pay Compared To Sierra Nevada?

SpaceX pays $134,230 per year on average compared to Sierra Nevada, which pays $123,889. That works out to $65 per hour at SpaceX, compared to $60 per hour at Sierra Nevada.

Have more questions? See all answers to common company questions.

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Updated August 22, 2022

Space Technology and Courses to Work at SpaceX

SpaceX may get a five for visionary and enthusiastic about space exploration, but as an employer the company gets a solid B. This is a good result for a large technology company, which also offers a good salary – the average annual salary in the organization exceeds $100,000. We tell you what specialists SpaceX needs and where you can learn the necessary skills.

What technologies are used in SpaceX

Dice Insights analysts studied the statistics on the Burning Glass recruiting service and found out which skills are most in demand in the company. At first glance, the top skills are no different from Microsoft and other tech giants. SpaceX is looking for developers who are proficient in popular programming languages ​​such as Python, C++ and SQL. Knowledge of Linux and debugging skills are also required. But there are also specific requests – knowledge of physics and avionics, experience in developing hardware and creating simulations. nine0003

Previously, SpaceX engineers have reported programming in C and C++ (for flight programming), HTML, JavaScript, and CSS (for displaying data), and Python (for testing). We collected the main skills and determined in which courses you can upgrade them.

Contents

Python

One of the most popular programming languages ​​is also used in SpaceX for testing various systems. By the way, pythonists are also required at NASA.

• A good place to start is a short course on the role of Python in space exploration, designed for beginners. It will help to understand exactly how the language is used by engineers in the field of space. One of the modules of the program is “Counting the number of lunar meteorites by type using Python.”
• Another option for beginners is the Complete 20 Hour Web Development Course with Python from Scratch on Udemy. You will be introduced to HTML, CSS, Python and Django.
• Our selection of Python will tell you where and how best to learn the language today if you are just starting a career in IT. nine0018

C++

It is C++ that is used in flight programming. Interestingly, Counter-Strike, StarCraft, and World of Warcraft are also written in C++, so language skills can be useful in any industry, from space exploration to game development.

• For a deeper understanding of the C++ language, you can take the “ Beginner to Advanced C++ Programming Course ” on Udemy. The lectures were prepared by the Programming Academy, and judging by the reviews, this is one of the best courses on the topic. The course analyzes the latest C++ features and helps to understand the new nuances of the language, which not all specialists know about. nine0018

Software Development

Software Engineer (SE) is a certified professional engineer who has sufficient knowledge and skills to apply the disciplines of engineering to software development. The main difference is that SE is engaged in development, project management, and the programmer implements them by writing code. The title of the position is translated into Russian as “software engineer”, or simply “programmer”. In SpaceX, such vacancies practically do not end – engineers are constantly required. nine0003

• On the edX platform, you can find the Software Development Introduction course, which teaches you in 6 weeks how to apply engineering principles such as Agile to build a fully functional software system. You will also learn the principles of REST and asynchronous programming, the nuances of software specification, design, refactoring, information security, and more. This course is part of the MicroMasters program, leading to certification. nine0018
• Another option for a beginner is the Software Development Fundamentals course. In exactly one month, you will master the basics of object-oriented programming in Java, as well as get acquainted with the best practices of modern development. The course is part of the CS Essentials professional certification program, which covers Java syntax and keywords, and also allows you to study the features of object-oriented programming, including encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. nine0018

Knowledge of Linux

SpaceX’s flagship rocket, the Falcon 9, runs on Linux-based x86 processors, so knowledge of the operating system is essential for many of the company’s employees.

• To get acquainted with the OS, the course “ Linux Mastery: Master Linux Command Line ” on Udemy is suitable. Without any prior knowledge, as you progress through the course, you will learn how to work with the command line and use bash scripts to automate tasks. You will also learn how to install and interact with open source software using a package management system. nine0018

Physics

Obviously, SpaceX employees need to know physics. But the company is recruiting not just physicists, but multifunctional specialists. For example, a Radiation Effects Engineer needs a degree in electrical engineering or physics, but at the same time, experience in Python programming.

• The The Complete High School and College Physics course on Udemy demystifies physics through examples, exercises, and homework, and most importantly, brushes up on forgotten concepts. The program analyzes concepts such as matter, motion, energy, waves, fields, and also touches on the concepts of nuclear physics. nine0018

Avionics

Avionics is a complex of all electronic systems that function on board an aircraft. Knowledge in this area is needed by many specialists in SpaceX – from a sensor test engineer to inspectors in production.

• University of Munich Specialization Digitalization in Aeronautics and Space explains the digital transformation in the aerospace industry and helps to understand how aircraft are built and designed today, and most importantly, what prospects new technologies open up in the future. nine0018
• The Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems & Avionics course on Udemy covers the basics of aircraft systems design. Why airplanes require a certain set of instruments to operate under normal conditions, why a hydraulic system is needed and how it is connected to the landing gear, what devices are needed in the cockpit and how they affect flight conditions – you will understand all this in the classroom. Of course, as a result, it is unlikely that you will be able to get into SpaceX, but the course will help you understand whether it is worth learning a new profession. nine0018

Hardware development

Hardware is hard, and even more so in the space industry. There are quite a few open vacancies at SpaceX for hardware development specialists – they design both internal systems and interfaces, as well as aircraft components.

• The Firmware and Software Architecture course is a good option for beginners. You will learn how the basic ARM architecture works, how to use the MSP432 microcontroller platforms, and understand the nuances of hardware product design. nine0018

Creating simulations

Simulations help SpaceX simulate situations and test systems (both software and hardware). For example, this is done by a specialist with perhaps the most spectacular position – Space Lasers Controls Engineer.

• The University of Geneva presents the course Simulation and Modeling of Natural Processes , which will provide an understanding of modeling methods and modeling tools for a wide range of natural phenomena. The program touches on various processes, including fluid motion, stellar dynamics, and migration changes. The basic course will help you understand how simulations are built in principle and what data is needed to create them. nine0018

MATLAB

MATLAB is an engineering computing application package used by engineers and researchers around the world. It runs on most modern operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Solaris, and Windows. In SpaceX, knowledge of MATLAB is required by most engineers. For example, a landing system reliability assessor needs to know how to extract and analyze data using Visual Basic, MATLAB, Python, and Excel.

• Udemy offers a good introduction to MATLAB . You will learn how to use the tool for different tasks at a basic level.
• Coursera Specialization “ MATLAB Programming for Engineers and Scientists ” offers a deeper dive – the course includes three detailed modules.

Broadband

SpaceX not only sends rockets into space, but also develops the Starlink satellite internet system. Therefore, the team is looking for specialists with knowledge of Ethernet protocols and broadband systems. nine0003

• The World Bank course Innovative Business Models to Expand Broadband and Close the Access Gaps will help you understand what problem SpaceX (and its competitors) are trying to solve with satellite systems.

Data Analytics

• In Udacity’s Become a Data Analyst program, you’ll learn Python, SQL, and statistics in 4 months to discover information, communicate important insights, and create decisions that are data-driven. You will learn how to manipulate data and adapt it for analysis, as well as create visualizations to extract insights from big data. nine0018

Software Testing

• The Software Tester simulation course by Skillfactory is designed to give students the fundamental knowledge needed by a modern tester, as well as practice them in practice. You will get acquainted with the types of testing, learn how to write test cases and test scenarios, work with bug tracking systems and maintain all the necessary documentation. Also, learn the Python programming language, master cross-browser testing and automated testing of web applications. You will be able to work in Github, with the PageObject design and test automation templates, the PyTest test framework, and a tool like Selenium WebDriver. nine0018

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The material contains affiliate links. This does not affect the cost of the courses. Partners do not influence our recommendations.

Modest salary and great mission. SpaceX employee tells Reddit what it’s like to work for Elon Musk Not all users believed in the authenticity of the letter and the sincerity of the investor’s intentions. And then one of the commentators explained: yes, it’s difficult for Musk. But this is a job for real dreamers. nine0156

Elon Musk owns Tesla Motors, SpaceX, SolarCity and invests in the Hyperloop project. Many believe that he was sent to us to make the world a better place. On the other hand, Musk has many critics who believe that his employees are paid below the market average, but the requirements for them are extremely high.

On June 2, Reddit published a screenshot of a letter that Elon Musk allegedly sent to all employees of his companies. In it, he expresses concern for the safety and well-being of his subordinates. Musk writes that he has weekly meetings with the security team. He also says that everyone who has been injured in the workplace should inform him directly about what happened. Musk would like to meet with everyone who has suffered while working at his companies to discuss in person how working conditions can be improved. nine0003

This is what all Tesla managers should do as a matter of course. At Tesla, we drive from the front lines, not from the safety and comfort of an ivory tower. Managers should always put the safety of their team ahead of their own.

Reddit commentators were impressed by the manager’s touching concern for his subordinates, but doubted the authenticity of the letter.

Respect. Topikstarter, do you have any other source besides the screenshot? There’s not much to verify here.” nine0003

“Looks like he’s afraid of a union.”

“Wow, it’s amazing how much he cares when there’s bad publicity.”

Then a commentator came to the thread, introducing himself as a SpaceX employee and also confirming the authenticity of the letter. He was asked what it is like to work in a company that works for the benefit of space exploration, but expects employees to work constantly without being distracted by their personal lives.

It turned out that he perfectly combines work and free time. The only thing that a SpaceX employee is tired of is constantly hearing how difficult it is to work for them. nine0003

First of all, I am quite happy in my personal life. My wife and I often go to the movies and hikes, lie on the beach, visit museums and what not. I love to cook, play video games, play sports, and I also have many friends. So while working at SpaceX can be really tough at times, it can hardly be said that my life outside of the office suffers from it.

Still, working at SpaceX, and most likely at Tesla, can be incredibly challenging, stressful, and stressful. nine0003

Expectations are high, work hours are often long and I would most likely be paid more somewhere else. So yes, many of the creepy stories you’ve heard may be true. But I do abhor the idea that Elon is supposedly a slave master who exploits young souls in dangerous and harmful jobs with below average pay.

A SpaceX employee says that working at the company is not for everyone, because really not everyone will like the idea of ​​working hard and getting paid less than the market average for it. However, he loves his position. After all, this is the ideal company for dreamers. nine0003

I work with the brightest and most dedicated person I have ever met. And I take responsibility, get opportunities and challenges that are unlikely to await me in any other place of work. I believe in our mission, the importance of our work and the sincere conviction of Elon, who wants to make this world a better place. Also, don’t forget: I get paid to launch shit into space, damn it!

And other dreamers on Reddit were impressed by his answer. nine0003

“I am a software engineer. Working for NASA or SpaceX is my ultimate goal.”

“Thank you for your input. Many of the conditions you describe look about the same in the IT field everywhere, judging by the jobs that I had before. And many were companies that make useless crap. Leave alone the great things Tesla and SpaceX are doing.”

“Damn it. For me personally, you made my internet day. Thank you for this.”

Elon Musk regularly gets into the media. He recently posted a romantic photo with actress Amber Heard, and fans of the investor are afraid that we will no longer fly to Mars. And Motherboard accused Musk of sexism on the basis that he was not following any woman on Twitter.