Lead Software Engineer, Full Stack - Top Secret Clearance at SpaceX

Department: Special ProgramsEducation: education_required

Compensation

$160,000 – $225,000/yr

Location: Hawthorne, California
Type: Full-time
Level: lead/mgmt
Posted: Mar 24, 2026

Description

SpaceX is hiring a Lead Software Engineer, Full Stack - Top Secret Clearance to lead a software engineering team developing full-stack solutions for flight-system analysis, prototypes, ground software, and operator user interfaces. The role owns the team’s delivery, roadmap, architecture, code reviews, testing, mission integration, and operations, while collaborating with customer and SpaceX teams. Candidates need a relevant bachelor’s degree, at least five years of full-stack development experience, experience with JavaScript or TypeScript, Python, Rust, or C++, database experience, and professional leadership experience, along with an active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance. The position pays $165,000 to $230,000 per year, with additional classified-program differential, benefits, and travel requirements.

Required Skills

JavaScript
TypeScript
React
Python
Rust
C++
Postgres
Docker
Kubernetes
Unit Testing

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
Required Previous Experiences: 5+ years of full-stack software development experience
Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript libraries, including React or Lit
Professional experience developing applications with Python, Rust, or C++
1+ years of experience with Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle
1+ years of professional leadership experience
Professional experience managing a team of software engineers
Preferred Qualifications: Expert knowledge of JavaScript and Python
Focus on designing, architecting, and implementing high-quality software
Experience with highly available concurrent systems
Experience with high-performance computing systems
Experience with automated build and test frameworks
Experience with Docker and Kubernetes
Experience developing intuitive web-based UI/UX for critical operations
Experience converting operational needs into full-stack software solutions with U.S. government counterparts
Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
Strong debugging, performance optimization, data throughput analysis, and unit testing skills
Creative and innovative problem-solving skills
Ability to adapt to changing needs and requirements in a dynamic environment
Ability to work in an integrated engineering environment
Professional experience managing a team of software engineers
Translation Company Name: SpaceX