Role Overview
SpaceX is hiring a Senior Sensor Development Engineer (Starship). This is a full-time role in Hawthorne. posted 3 days ago. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
Resume Keywords to Include
Make sure these keywords appear in your resume to improve ATS scoring
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.
SR. SENSOR DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
The Sensor Development team designs, builds, and tests innovative sensing solutions that are critical to making life on Mars possible. This Senior Sensor Development Engineer will work on this highly interdisciplinary team to characterize navigation sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, and develop and maintain integrated solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct environmental characterization or inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) to ensure all performance and flight-worthiness requirements are met.
- Analyze test data and document results.
- Develop sensor calibration processes.
- Ensure timely production and delivery for vehicle integration.
- Conduct component qualification testing.
- Identify and implement hardware and software upgrades.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or Physics with 5+ years of professional experience.
- 3+ years of experience working on inertial sensors.
- Software development experience in Python and C/C++.
- Knowledge of various sensing technologies available and experience in testing, calibrating, and qualifying inertial navigation sensors.
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or Physics
- 5+ years of experience working on inertial sensors.
- Extensive knowledge of navigation-grade inertial sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers) from design through test.
- Excellent documentation and communication skills.
- Proven track record of successful product ownership and teamwork in fast-paced environments.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Senior: $140,000.00 - $205,000.00/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.
About SpaceX
SpaceX
spacex.com
1,977 other open roles at SpaceX on TryApplyNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Senior Sensor Development Engineer (Starship) position at SpaceX?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to SpaceX. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Where is the Senior Sensor Development Engineer (Starship) position at SpaceX located?
This position is based in Hawthorne. SpaceX has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.
What does a Senior Sensor Development Engineer (Starship) at SpaceX earn?
SpaceX has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Senior Sensor Development Engineer (Starship) role at SpaceX posted?
This role was posted on July 20, 2026 (3 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
How much experience does the Senior Sensor Development Engineer (Starship) role at SpaceX require?
This is a senior-level position. Most senior roles call for 5+ years of directly relevant experience. SpaceX lists their specific requirements in the description below, so review the must-have qualifications closely before applying.
More Jobs at SpaceX
View all →Equipment Engineering Manager - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)
SpaceX
Full Stack Software Engineer, Safety & Training
SpaceX
Government Project Engineer
SpaceX
Avionics Test Engineer (Starfall)
SpaceX
Electrical Test Engineer (Starshield)
SpaceX
AI-powered job search
Get every job scored to your resume
Upload your resume and get jobs ranked, your resume tailored, and employee contacts found automatically.
Get started freeNo credit card to start