SpaceX believes in a future where humanity explores the stars, making it an exciting place to work. Their aim is to develop the technologies that will enable human life on Mars. If you are an extraordinary student with a passion for software engineering, SpaceX offers an incredible opportunity for you to join them for a summer internship in 2024.
Be Part of a Super Inspiring Mission
As a software intern at SpaceX, you will have the chance to work on projects that have a significant impact on their mission. Your mentor and other experienced employees will guide you in applying your knowledge and developing your skills. Beyond work, you’ll have the opportunity to network and enjoy optional social and professional events with other interns and employees. SpaceX values academic success and motivation to apply knowledge outside of the classroom. They are looking for smart, collaborative engineers who love problem-solving and want to make a difference.
Diverse Locations and Teams
Internships are available in various software engineering teams across different locations, including Bastrop, TX; Brownsville, TX; Cape Canaveral, FL; Hawthorne (Los Angeles), CA; Irvine, CA; McGregor (Waco), TX; and Redmond (Seattle), WA. You can choose the team and location that aligns best with your interests and aspirations.
Basic Qualifications
To be eligible for the internship, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate program and have at least 3 months of software programming or development experience. Experience in coding with languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python is essential. As an intern, you must also meet certain citizenship requirements, including being a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Preferred Skills and Experience
While not required, the following skills and experience are preferred for interns:
- GPA of 3.5 or above
- 6+ months of experience developing and deploying software for real-world applications
- Strong knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Experience with software documentation and requirements
- Proficiency in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
- Strong interpersonal skills, including leadership and teamwork abilities
- Adaptability to changing needs and requirements
- Ability to work independently and effectively communicate
Additional Requirements
Selected interns will work full-time for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks, starting in May or June 2024. Those in positions at Brownsville, Cape Canaveral, and McGregor locations must have their own transportation.
Compensation and Benefits
The compensation for the internship depends on your academic level. The pay ranges from $30.00/hour for Freshman/Sophomore interns to $40.00/hour for those with a completed PhD. Along with competitive pay, SpaceX offers a comprehensive benefits package. You may be eligible for a stipend to assist with relocation costs and have access to medical coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan. Moreover, interns have the opportunity to attend presentations by company leaders, participate in social and networking events, and receive professional and personal development training. Paid company holidays and a minimum of 10 paid holidays per year are also available.
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must meet certain citizenship and residency requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. If you meet the criteria or are eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, you can find more information about ITAR requirements.
Join a Team that Makes a Difference
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications 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. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application/interview process or wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Team Descriptions
SpaceX offers a wide range of software engineering teams, each working on important aspects of their mission. Here are some of the teams you could join as an intern:
Application Software
The Application software team is involved in rapid build and reuse of Starship, designing manufacturing software for high throughput factories, and creating platforms to manage the world’s largest satellite constellation. You’ll collaborate with engineers across the company on various projects related to crewed launches, Starship flights, and more.
Dragon Software
As an intern on the Dragon Software team, you’ll work on mission-critical software configurations for Dragon Crewed and Cargo vehicles. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected and troubleshooting flight software when necessary.
Falcon Software
Joining the Falcon Software team, you’ll contribute to the development, analysis, and verification of mission-critical software for Falcon and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles. Your work will help ensure safe and reliable launches.
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
The GNC teams at SpaceX support multiple programs, including Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, Starshield, and Starship. You’ll have the opportunity to work on highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards.
Product Security
The Starlink Product Security team focuses on securing Starlink software and hardware. Ideal candidates for this team have skills in areas such as exploit development, security architecture design, firmware security, software development, or operating system security.
Silicon Engineering
The Silicon Engineering group develops custom semiconductor solutions, partnering with other teams and industry experts. This team works on a wide range of chips using various technologies. As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to ASIC design, computer architecture, circuit design, and more.
Starlink Software
Join the Starlink software team in building next-generation networking technologies to direct data through an ever-changing network of satellites, ground stations, and users. You’ll work on firmware, controls software, and infrastructure for SpaceX’s satellite internet project.
Starshield Software
The Starshield software team designs secure systems for space access, in-space mesh networks, and next-generation communication and sensing software. Aerospace experience is not required – diverse perspectives and fresh ideas are highly valued.
Starship Software
The Starship software team is responsible for building and testing control systems, network, and operational software for Starship, the Super Heavy Booster, and launch pads. Your work will help prepare SpaceX’s vehicle for orbital flights and future crewed missions.
Enhance your skills, contribute to groundbreaking projects, and be part of the incredible journey towards human life on Mars. Apply now for the Summer 2024 Software Engineering Internship/Co-op at SpaceX!
