Software Engineer, Applied AI (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long‑term incentives

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Shuttle service

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Software Engineer for Applied AI (Starlink) to build and scale web and backend services in a .NET microservices architecture running on Kubernetes. You will develop high‑quality, responsive applications and contribute to the reliability of Starlink’s digital experience.

You will collaborate with UXSW and other teams to improve performance, monitor systems, and deliver robust solutions for customers globally, with an emphasis on data‑driven decisions and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 1+ years in full‑stack software; or 3+ years without a degree (internships allowed).
• Experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Scala, or similar OO language.
• Production experience with Docker and Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Develop well‑architected, responsive, and performant web applications.
• Develop reliable systems for Starlink.
• Full stack development in a .NET micro‑service architecture in Kubernetes.
• Focus on monitoring and observability to guide data‑driven decisions.
• Collaborate with internal partners and other teams on architecture & reviews.

Skills

Python

C#

Go

Scala

Java

Object‑oriented programming

Performance profiling

UNIX‑like OS

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or STEM

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Make/Bazel/Gradle

Pip/NPM

Git

Job description

Software Engineer, Applied AI (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.

The UXSW team at SpaceX is responsible for the digital experience for millions of Starlink customers. We build the digital interfaces across mobile app and web to help users set up their Starlink, monitor outages, manage their service, and contact support. We also build the tooling for Starlink support associates and an LLM‑powered chatbot to solve customers’ issues before they reach out. We don’t have project managers; engineers on the team are directly responsible for delivering the best internet experience from space for humans everywhere on Earth.

Responsibilities

• Develop well‑architected, responsive, and performant web applications
• Develop highly reliable and available software systems for Starlink
• Design and implement highly available, fault‑tolerant networks that operate for long periods of time with minimal maintenance at scale
• Full stack application development (our system is a .NET micro‑service architecture running in Kubernetes)
• Focus on continuous monitoring and alerting to foster data‑driven business decisions and improve the quality and observability of our systems.
• Work closely with internal partners to drive successful outcomes for the business
• Collaborate with other engineering teams across Starlink to advance our engineering process in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Deep dive into your users’ problems to find and create efficient solutions
• Bring your voice to the table in team collaborations on architecture, design, and code reviews

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline and 1+ years of experience building full‑stack software; OR 3+ years of professional experience building full‑stack software in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Scala, Java, or similar object‑oriented language
• Production experience with Docker and Kubernetes
• Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
• Experience with version control, continuous integration, and continuous delivery concepts
• Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
• Experience with build systems (Make, Bazel/Pants/Buck, Gradle) and package management tools (pip, npm)
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience with UNIX‑like operating systems and CI/CD tool
• A drive to deliver exceptional user experiences for customers and willingness to own all outcomes

Additional Requirements

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

Compensation and Benefits

Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 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.

Export Control

• 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].