Software Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starshield)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Software Engineer to work on collision avoidance for satellite systems. This role involves developing reliable software to manage thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit, prototyping key design concepts, and collaborating with engineers on product development. The ideal candidate should have a degree in computer science or engineering and at least one year of experience in software development, with skills in Python, C++, and distributed systems. A strong background in math and physics is preferred as well. This position offers competitive compensation and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 3+ years of experience in software development.
• 1+ years of professional experience in software development.
• Strong background in math and physics.

Responsibilities

• Develop reliable software for managing satellites in low-earth orbit.
• Create prototypes for design concepts and constraints.
• Collaborate with engineers for product development.

Skills

Python

C++

Object-oriented programming

Distributed systems

Containerization technologies

Version control

Application performance improvement

Relational databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline

3+ years of professional experience in software development

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Overview

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, COLLISION AVOIDANCE (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a software engineer working in Starshield's GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) organization, you will use your distributed systems knowledge to build mission-critical systems that keep low-earth orbit safe. You\'ll work on payload management, collision avoidance, and orbital prediction tools for the large spacecraft constellations, and the analysis pipelines that prove those systems are working for our fleet.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we\'re looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and available software systems for managing thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit
• Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize the development of our products
• See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to rollout and beyond

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor\'s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; or 3+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• +1 years of professional experience in software development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with Python, C++, or a similar object-oriented programming language
• 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 profiling and improving application performance
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems is a plus
• Strong background in math and physics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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 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 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].