Software Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock purchase plan

3 weeks of paid vacation

10+ paid holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Software Engineer for the Starlink Mobile project to enhance global connectivity through satellite networks. Your role will encompass the full software lifecycle, ensuring real-time performance and user experience.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience. This position offers a competitive salary range of $135,000 – $185,000 based on experience, complemented by comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or 2+ years of software development experience.
• Participants should have development experience in Python, C, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time software for satellite-based global networks.
• Lead design and code reviews.
• Build development tools and test execution systems.
• Prototype and manage experiments for design validation.

Skills

Development experience in Python

Development experience in C

Development experience in C++

Creative problem-solving ability

Strong analytical skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience with distributed systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a science discipline

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 (Starlink Mobile)

The Starlink Mobile network will expand Starlink’s vision by providing ubiquitous connectivity and seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones and devices across the globe. Leveraging the infrastructure built for Starlink, this role involves building reliable, real‑time software that supports global satellite‑based connectivity for mobile phones. As a software engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will handle the full software lifecycle – from development and testing to ongoing support – and close the loop between design and real‑world performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable, real‑time software that plans and executes network topology for a satellite‑based global network, maximizing user experience.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Build tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware, real hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations, and on‑orbit testing.
• Prototype and manage experiments to validate key design concepts.

Basic Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of real‑time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real‑time, resource‑constrained, high‑performance computing environments.
• Knowledge of network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph‑theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software used in real‑world applications or projects.
• Creative problem‑solving ability, strong analytical skills, and solid engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with evolving needs and requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
• Position requires U.S. citizenship or a lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility to obtain necessary authorizations under U.S. export regulations (ITAR).

Compensation and Benefits

Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000 – $155,000 per year

Software Engineer/Level II: $155,000 – $185,000 per year

In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for long‑term incentives (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 receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. Additional benefits include 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year, with paid sick leave in compliance with company policy.

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, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

For more information on opportunities and the application process, please refer to the official SpaceX careers site.