Embedded Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking software engineers to design and implement highly available, fault-tolerant consumer devices and gateways for Starlink. You will develop Linux-based software for ARM/RISC-V processors, build deployment tools, and collaborate with the Starlink factory to manufacture devices in-house.

The role covers architecture reviews, prototyping, and test execution across multiple environments, with a focus on scalable telemetry and secure, robust systems for millions of users.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a STEM discipline and 1+ years of professional experience in software engineering; OR 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C, C++, Golang, Python, or Rust
• Experience with embedded or low level systems development

Responsibilities

• Design and implement highly available, fault-tolerant consumer devices and gateways that operate for long periods of time with minimal maintenance for millions of users
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Work with the Starlink factory to manufacture devices in-house
• Write quality Linux based software for common processors and microcontrollers (e.g. ARM, RISC V, etc.)
• Develop systems that allow for test execution across multiple environments such as virtualized hardware or real hardware-in-the-loop simulations
• Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

Skills

C/C++

Golang

Python

Rust

Embedded systems

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math/STEM

Tools

Linux

ARM

RISC-V

Embedded toolchains

Job description

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions users worldwide. We design, build, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system including thousands of satellites, hundreds of gateways, and millions of customer kits. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. While users can get online within minutes almost anywhere in the world, we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential. We are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for individuals, communities, and businesses. Below are just some of the focus areas for software teams on Starlink:

• Develop software running on custom hardware that is deployed to millions of devices around the world
• Create infrastructure and tools for rapid and reliable deployment of our code to our customers no matter where they are
• Write software for Starlink’s custom phased array and modem silicon
• Radically improve the user experience of satellite internet
• Develop a telemetry system that scales to millions of devices with trillions of data points
• Build robust systems that are resistant to adversarial attacks

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement highly available, fault-tolerant consumer devices and gateways that operate for long periods of time with minimal maintenance for millions of users
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Work with the Starlink factory to manufacture devices in-house
• Write quality Linux based software for common processors and microcontrollers (e.g. ARM, RISC V, etc.)
• Develop systems that allow for test execution across multiple environments such as virtualized hardware or real hardware-in-the-loop simulations
• Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a STEM discipline and 1+ years of professional experience in software engineering; OR 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C, C++, Golang, Python, or Rust
• Experience with embedded or low level systems development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world embedded devices
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP etc.), electronics, math, physics, and radio frequency
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and testing
• Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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’sAff ... [e-mail] .

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere.