Embedded Software Engineer, Laser Mesh Routing (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for its Starlink program in Palo Alto, California. You will develop real-time software to improve user experience for satellite internet users, especially in underserved areas.

This position requires strong programming skills in C/C++ and a background in software development. The role entails participating in architecture reviews and conducting experiments with real-world implications. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including competitive salary and stock options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline or 2+ years of professional experience in software development.
• Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable, real-time software for satellite-based global network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove design concepts.

Skills

Real-time software development

C/C++ development

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or related discipline

2+ years of professional experience in software development

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer, Laser Mesh Routing (Starlink)

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.

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. All Starlink satellites have laser terminals to connect with other Starlink satellites, creating a large laser mesh network in orbit. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for the world’s best engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges that improve our ability to fully utilize the hardware we have deployed. Our goal is to provide customers with the best possible satellite internet experience, often providing under‑served communities with affordable, life‑changing broadband internet access.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real‑world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop highly reliable, real‑time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc.) should be formed to provide the best possible user experience for our low‑latency, high‑bandwidth satellite‑based global network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations, and on‑orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).
• Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledgeable in real‑time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real‑time, resource‑constrained, high‑performance computing.
• Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Level I: $135,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/per 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, stock options, 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.

EXPORT REGULATIONS

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee, or Asylee, 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 [e-mail].