Embedded Platform Engineer — Security-Critical

Linuxconfig; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for the Starshield Platform in Hawthorne, CA. You will contribute across the stack from bootloaders to Linux kernel and drivers, owning software through its full lifecycle for orbit-ready systems.

The role emphasizes secure boot, platform security, and collaboration with Electrical, FPGA, and application teams, with a focus on reliability for national security missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
• System-level development experience in C, C++, or Rust.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update in-house branches of open-source software such as Linux, Buildroot, and U-Boot.
• Design and implement platform security: secure boot, runtime integrity, and the features that keep this layer trustworthy on orbit.
• Support Platform-specific test infrastructure.
• Own device drivers and board-level firmware for in-house and vendor components.
• Define and maintain interfaces between the platform layer and userspace / mission software.
• Work with Electrical, FPGA, and application software teams to take boards from prototype through on-orbit operations.

Skills

C/C++/Rust

System-level development

Linux kernel

Security/secure boot

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years experience in lieu

Tools

Linux

Buildroot

U-Boot

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for the Starshield Platform in Hawthorne, CA. You will contribute across the stack from bootloaders to Linux kernel and drivers, owning software through its full lifecycle for orbit-ready systems.

The role emphasizes secure boot, platform security, and collaboration with Electrical, FPGA, and application teams, with a focus on reliability for national security missions.