Embedded Platform Software Engineer – Space Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Health, vision, dental insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for the Starshield Platform to develop and secure spacecraft and ground-system software across the stack, from bootloaders to kernel drivers. You will own software through development, testing, and on-orbit support, contributing to security and reliability of critical systems.

The role requires system-level C/C++/Rust skills, Linux kernel experience, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of professional software development in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in C, C++, or Rust at system level.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and evolve in-house branches of Linux-based software (Linux kernel, Buildroot, U-Boot).
• Develop platform security, including secure boot and runtime integrity.
• Own device drivers and board-level firmware for in-house and vendor components.
• Define interfaces between platform layer and userspace/mission software.
• Collaborate with Electrical, FPGA, and application teams to move boards to orbit.

Skills

C/C++/Rust

Secure boot

Linux kernel

System-level dev

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years experience

Tools

Linux kernel

Buildroot

U-Boot

ARM

FPGA SoC

Job description

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for the Starshield Platform to develop and secure spacecraft and ground-system software across the stack, from bootloaders to kernel drivers. You will own software through development, testing, and on-orbit support, contributing to security and reliability of critical systems.

The role requires system-level C/C++/Rust skills, Linux kernel experience, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.