Principal Wi-Fi Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives

Comprehensive medical coverage

Paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Principal Wi-Fi Software Engineer to work on Starlink's global consumer product line. You will be responsible for driving the Wi-Fi roadmap, optimizing system performance, and improving user experience for millions. Ideal candidates should have strong development skills in C or C++, knowledge of networking protocols, and experience with embedded software.

The position offers competitive salary ranging from $210,000 to $300,000, along with robust benefits including stock options, medical coverage, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in software development, or 12+ years in lieu of degree.
• Experience with IEEE 802.11 wireless standard.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of networks.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Wi-Fi software and roadmap for Starlink's Wi-Fi products.
• Debug and optimize kernel-level system performance.
• Invent new tools for continuous integration and release system.

Skills

C or C++

Networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP)

Embedded software for networking equipment

Networking kernel modules and drivers

Wi-Fi Testing for Performance or Stability

Education

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

Tools

Golang

Python

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.

PRINCIPAL WI-FI SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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 3M+ users worldwide. We design, build, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system including thousands of satellites 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.

As a Principal Wi‑Fi Software Engineer working on Starlink’s global consumer product line, you will be a critical piece of the overall product roadmap and customer experience. We are looking for experts in the Wi‑Fi space to help Starlink deliver an amazing end‑to‑end product that increases customer experience for millions of users all around the world. You see the big picture, prioritize accordingly, and are comfortable with working at different levels of abstraction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive the Wi‑Fi software and roadmap for our Wi‑Fi products, used by the majority of Starlink users around the world
• Debug and optimize kernel‑level system performance
• Collaborate with our RF and EE engineers to improving our testing procedures for both software and hardware
• Mentor software engineers and building a great work culture
• Improve our Wi‑Fi mesh performance
• 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 STEM discipline and 10+ years of professional experience in software development; or 12+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree
• 8+ years development experience in C or C++
• Experience with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc.)
• Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with networking kernel modules and drivers
• Strong fundamental knowledge of networks, embedded systems, math, and physics
• Solid communication and leadership skills
• Experience testing Wi‑Fi for Performance or Stability
• Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & continuous monitoring
• Knowledge of DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, Linux bridge, network stack internals
• Experience driving cross‑team projects
• Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services
• Experience with Golang and Python
• Experience with hostAP
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Experience with Wi‑Fi chipsets

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: Wi‑Fi Software Engineer/Principal: $210,000.00 - $300,000.00 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

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