On-Orbit Operations Software Engineer (Real-Time Space Systems)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Shuttle service

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Satellite On-Orbit Operations Software Engineer (Starlink) to develop and deploy software that automates fault detection and operational workflows across satellites and ground systems.

You will work at the intersection of software and hardware, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and control teams to ensure high reliability for 10k+ satellites, with on-call rotations and extended hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics or physics.
• 1+ years of professional software development experience (Python and/or C++ strongly preferred; SQL, bash or similar valuable).
• Experience building software that interacts with hardware (robotics, embedded systems, control systems, test automation).

Responsibilities

• Develop and rapidly deploy software for satellites and ground systems that automates fault detection, response, and operational workflows.
• Build and improve ground software systems that manage vehicle state, commanding, deorbit support, and real-time anomaly triage.
• Develop operational processes and automation for new hardware versions and capabilities.
• Detect and triage anomalies on satellite bus and payload hardware; participate in rotating on-call schedule.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, electrical, GNC, network, and test engineers to deliver high-performance, reliable connectivity.
• Challenge assumptions and seek simple solutions to complex problems.

Skills

Python

C++

SQL

bash

Software development

Hardware interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM (CS/CE/EE/Aerospace)

Master's degree in STEM fields

Job description

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Satellite On-Orbit Operations Software Engineer (Starlink) to develop and deploy software that automates fault detection and operational workflows across satellites and ground systems.

You will work at the intersection of software and hardware, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and control teams to ensure high reliability for 10k+ satellites, with on-call rotations and extended hours as needed.