Software Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

United States Digital Space LLC; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is looking for a Software Engineer for their Starshield systems, which utilize advanced satellite technology to strengthen national security. You will be responsible for developing systems to control satellites and will write software for both ground and space operations.

The ideal candidate should have a degree in computer science or equivalent experience, and be skilled in C++ and Linux. Moreover, familiarity with networking, debugging, and containerization technologies is preferred. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical coverage, paid vacation, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of experience in software development.
• Experience in C++ and Linux development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop secure command and control systems for satellites.
• Design systems for rapid software distribution across network.
• Create monitoring tools for satellite operations.
• Own software for controlling the Starshield network.

Skills

C++

Linux platform

Networking

Debugging

Software testing

Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)

Relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB)

Education

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

2+ years of professional experience in software development

Job description

the company 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 the company 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 the company’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

• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive company 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: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/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 the company. 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].