Software Engineer, Beam Planning (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

3 weeks vacation + 10+ holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, Washington is seeking a Software Engineer, Beam Planning (Starlink). You will build real-time software that decides which beams to form to deliver the best possible satellite internet experience and you’ll participate in design reviews, prototyping, and deployment across diverse environments.

Strong C/C++ development, a STEM degree or 2+ years of software experience, and willingness to work extended hours are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.
• Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
• Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software used in real world applications/projects.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable, real-time software to determine beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) for optimal user experience in SpaceX’s satellite network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove key design concepts.
• Develop tools for software development, deployment, data analysis, visualization, and test execution across multiple environments including hardware-in-the-loop simulations and on-orbit testing.

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, BEAM PLANNING (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 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. All Starlink satellites have laser terminals to connect with other Starlink satellites, creating a large laser mesh network in orbit. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for the world’s best engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges that improve our ability to fully utilize the hardware we have deployed. Our goal is to provide customers with the best possible satellite internet experience, often providing under-served communities with affordable, life-changing broadband internet access.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) should be formed in order to provide the best possible user experience for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).
• Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
• Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

Level 1: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00

Level 2: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00

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.

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 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.

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