Satellite Systems Software Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k)

Comprehensive benefits

Paid parental leave

Employee shuttle

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA, is seeking a Satellite Systems Software Engineer for Starlink to develop and maintain software that manages thousands of satellites. The role spans space-vehicle and ground-system software, demanding rigorous reliability and integration with hardware, networks, and monitoring tools.

You will contribute across architecture, coding, testing, and deployment while collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance Starlink’s capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science with 1+ year of software experience, or 3+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Proficiency in Python or C++, and Linux programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable software for thousands of satellites.
• Own software quality and interactions with hardware and environments.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Design software for space vehicles and ground systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to plan product development.

Skills

Python

C++

Linux programming

Distributed systems

Docker

Kubernetes

Version control

Testing/CI

PostgreSQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/engineering/science

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Satellite Systems Software Engineer (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.

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 millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a software engineer working in Starlink’s Constellation Engineering organization, you will build and maintain the systems that maintain the world’s largest satellite constellation. You will work on ensuring we can safely interact with other operators, that we can maintain command and control capabilities of our satellites, and that we are able to monitor and manage the fleet. As a SpaceX engineer, you will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the code and products you create, from inception and development, to testing and rollout. You will write software that both runs as part of our distributed ground system, and that flies in space aboard the satellites.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop highly reliable and available software systems for managing thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit.
• Be accountable and responsible for all software written and designed, and their interactions with the hardware and environments around them.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them
• Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and +1 years of professional experience in software development; OR 3+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with Python or C++, and Linux programming.
• Experience with distributed systems or large-scale consumer internet systems.
• Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring.
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar).
• Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

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 .

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