Fall 2026 Software Engineering Internship/Co-op

Job Title

Fall 2026 Software Engineering Internship/Co-op

Role Summary

SpaceX seeks software engineering interns for Fall 2026 to work on production-grade projects across multiple software teams. Interns work with mentors to design, implement, test, and deploy software that supports launch vehicles, spacecraft, communications, and manufacturing systems.

Positions are onsite at multiple U.S. locations; interns participate in team activities and optional professional development events.

Experience Level

Entry-level internship for current students. Candidates should have at least 3+ months of software programming or development experience and basic familiarity with one or more common programming languages.

Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities vary by team; examples below summarize common duties.

• Implement, test, and debug software under mentor guidance.
• Write unit tests, perform performance optimization, and document designs.
• Participate in code reviews and maintain software quality.
• Create system diagrams and enumerate software requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, RF, and operations teams.
• Support integration, verification, and deployment of software to production or flight systems as applicable.

Requirements

Key must-have and preferred qualifications (education details are in the Education Requirements section below).

• Must-have: Minimum 3+ months software programming or development experience.
• Proficiency in one or more of: C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python.
• U.S. person eligibility required (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee) due to export control regulations.
• Able to work full time, onsite for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in August or September 2026.
• Able to provide own transportation for roles at some locations (Bastrop, Cape Canaveral, McGregor, Vandenberg).

Nice-to-have:

• 6+ months experience developing and deploying software used in real-world applications.
• Knowledge of computer architecture, networking, embedded systems, firmware, or ASIC/FPGA flows.
• Strong debugging, performance tuning, unit testing, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork, communication skills, and ability to work in a dynamic environment.

Education Requirements

Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program by the start of employment. The posting references completed Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels for pay determination and lists a preferred GPA of 3.5 or above.

About the Company

Company: SpaceX

Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States

SpaceX is focused on developing space technologies to enable human exploration of Mars and beyond. The company is known for its advancements in rocketry and its Starlink satellite constellation, which delivers high-speed internet globally.