Software Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Medical insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer for the Starshield satellite systems team in Hawthorne, CA. You will own software that controls, monitors, and grows the Starshield constellation, delivering end‑to‑end lifecycle from inception to rollout.

The role emphasizes reliability, security, and collaboration across the Starshield organization. The candidate will develop secure systems, work on distributed ground software, and be part of a mission‑driven team transforming space capabilities with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience
• Development experience in C++ and Linux

Responsibilities

• Develop systems to provide secure command and control capability of satellites
• Design systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all network components
• Iterate on high‑throughput networking systems across the ground network
• Create monitoring and observability tools to fly satellites safely and securely
• Design development and testing tooling to accelerate Starshield teams
• Own datacenter software and hardware used to control the Starshield network

Skills

C++

Linux

Networking

Docker

Kubernetes

Software testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering/Math

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

CockroachDB

Job description

Software Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity explores 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, SATELLITE SYSTEMS (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.

The Starshield software team is building highly reliable in‑space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next‑gen communication and sensing software, and more. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. 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.

As a software engineer on the Starshield Core team, you will be solving challenges across every part of our network and will be fully responsible for software used to control, monitor, and grow our constellation. 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 highly reliable software that both runs as part of our distributed ground system, and that flies in space aboard the satellites.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop systems to provide secure command and control capability of our satellites
• Design systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all components of the network
• Iterate on critical high‑throughput networking systems across our ground network
• Create new monitoring and observability tools to allow operators to fly our satellites safely and securely
• Design development and testing tooling to accelerate teams across the Starshield organization
• Own datacenter software and hardware used to control the Starshield network

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C++ and developing on a Linux platform

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and software testing
• Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. Encourage early application. Failure to obtain clearance may result in employment modification or termination.
• 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 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, including company stock or cash awards, 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, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other benefits. You may accrue three weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for more than ten paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the legal requirements.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Completed by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident or eligible under US export regulations.

EEO AND DISABILITY INFORMATION

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications, and will not be influenced 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 SpaceX’s affirmative action plan or requiring reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process can reach out to [e-mail].