Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna (Starlink)

SpaceX; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation time and holidays

Shuttle service to office

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for Satellite Antenna systems. You will develop embedded software for modem and beamformer ASICs, ensure flight-critical operation, and collaborate with RF engineers to improve on-orbit performance.

Ideal candidates bring 1+ years in embedded C/C++ or Rust, RF fundamentals, and experience with RF test equipment. SpaceX offers stock options, comprehensive benefits, and a fast-paced startup-like environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
• 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C or C++ or Rust.
• Knowledge of RF fundamentals and/or communications theory.
• Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs for Starlink antennas.
• Write flight-critical software to ensure antenna operation across satellite lifecycle.
• Collaborate with antenna engineers to implement measurement techniques in CI/CD.
• Analyze on-orbit data and investigate performance improvements.
• Drive RF test features to verify hardware in the factory with rapid production.
• Design automated measurement systems to characterize 10–20 GHz phased arrays.
• Provide software engineering support to the Payload Engineering organization.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Rust

RF fundamentals

Phased array knowledge

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Signal generators

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.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

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