Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna (Starlink)

SpaceX; Redmond; On-site; AUD 178,000 - 286,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision & Dental

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks paid vacation

10+ paid holidays

Company shuttles

Job summary

SpaceX, based in Redmond, WA, is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for Starlink satellite antennas. You will own software bring-up, characterization, and operation of phased array systems, from ASIC firmware to RF test tooling.

Join a fast-paced, mission-driven team that develops scalable solutions for thousands of satellites, with opportunities to work across the RF, firmware, and payload engineering domains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
• 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C or C++ or Rust.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs that form the foundation of Starlink’s phased array antennas.
• Write flight-critical software to ensure intended operation of the antenna throughout the lifecycle of the satellite.
• Collaborate with phased array antenna engineers to build and implement new techniques to measure antennas as part of our CI/CD process.
• Analyze on-orbit performance data and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues.
• Drive production RF test features to verify hardware in the factory while maintaining a rapid rate of production.
• Design and build automated measurement systems to characterize phased arrays radiating at 10-20GHz.
• Provide software engineering expertise and mission-critical support to the broader Payload Engineering organization

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Rust

Flight software

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Tools

RF test equipment

Spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

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.

Starlink is SpaceX’s unprecedented satellite constellation designed to deliver high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote areas around the world. By deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), we’ve created a global network that bridges the digital divide, enabling reliable connectivity for homes, business, vessels, aircraft, and more.

As a member of the Antenna Software team, you’ll own software for bring-up, characterization, and operation of advanced phased array systems. You’ll drive features at every layer of the stack, from embedded software running on microcontrollers in custom beamforming ASICs, to characterizing antennas in anechoic chambers, to defining the RF test required to produce hundreds of phased arrays per month, to building tools to analyze the on-orbit performance of our fleet of thousands of satellites serving millions of users.

Prior RF experience is not a requirement to be successful here – we’re looking for ambitious engineers who thrive when they’re diving deep on challenging, interdisciplinary problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs that form the foundation of Starlink’s phased array antennas
• Write flight-critical software to ensure intended operation of the antenna throughout the lifecycle of the satellite
• Collaborate with phased array antenna engineers to build and implement new techniques to measure antennas as part of our CI/CD process
• Analyze on-orbit performance data and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues
• Drive production RF test features to verify hardware in the factory while maintaining a rapid rate of production
• Design and build automated measurement systems to characterize phased arrays radiating at 10-20GHz
• Provide software engineering expertise and mission-critical support to the broader Payload Engineering organization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
• 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C or C++ or Rust (internships, collegiate clubs, and project work can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience and understanding of RF fundamentals and/or communications theory
• Familiarity with radio-related lab measurement equipment and techniques such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.
• Experience with phased array antenna systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00

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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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