Software Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

Future Ventures; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer for the Starshield Core team in Hawthorne, CA, to develop software that controls and monitors satellites and supports in‑space networks. You will own end‑to‑end software lifecycle from inception to rollout, writing reliable code that runs in the ground system and on orbit.

The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration, innovative problem solving, and security‑critical software for government use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of software development experience.
• Development experience in C++ on Linux.
• Solid knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and testing.
• Ability to work in dynamic environment and communicate effectively.
• Production experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with PostgreSQL or CockroachDB.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends.
• ITAR requirements and US citizenship/residency considerations.

Responsibilities

• Developing systems to provide secure command and control capability of our satellites
• Designing systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all components of the network
• Iterating on critical high throughput networking systems across our ground network
• Creating new monitoring and observability tools to allow operators to fly our satellites safely and securely
• Designing development and testing tooling to accelerate teams across the Starshield organization
• Owning datacenter software and hardware used in controlling the Starshield network

Skills

C++

Linux

Computer architecture

Networking

Debugging

Software testing

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL / CockroachDB

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math or related field

2+ years software development experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

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, 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

• Developing systems to provide secure command and control capability of our satellites
• Designing systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all components of the network
• Iterating on critical high throughput networking systems across our ground network
• Creating new monitoring and observability tools to allow operators to fly our satellites safely and securely
• Designing development and testing tooling to accelerate teams across the Starshield organization
• Owning datacenter software and hardware used in controlling 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

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs
• 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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

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 Aff…?. Should reach out to [e-mail].