Embedded Software Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking software engineers to design and implement highly available software for Starlink devices and gateways, operating at scale for millions of users worldwide.

The role emphasizes low-level development in C/C++, experience with Linux-based systems, and collaboration across architecture, design, and testing teams to deliver robust, scalable software solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or related field and 1+ years of software engineering experience; or 3+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Proficiency in C, C++, Golang, Python, or Rust; experience with embedded or low-level systems development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement highly available consumer devices and gateways for millions of users.
• Participate in architecture, design and code reviews.

Skills

C/C++

Golang

Python

Rust

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Linux

ARM

RISC‑V

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 of enabling 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’s Affiantiver Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].