Software Engineer, Tracking (Starshield)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Software Engineer, Tracking (Starshield) in California to help build mission-critical software for low-Earth orbit assets. You will work within Starshield's GNC team on payload management, orbital prediction, and analysis pipelines for a growing constellation.

Your code will cover the full lifecycle from concept to deployment. You will collaborate with engineers across domains, implement scalable distributed systems, and optimize performance while adhering to stringent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, data science, or an engineering discipline.
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python

Responsibilities

• Build software tools and construct scenarios to analyze system performance
• 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 determining the core requirements, to prototyping, developing, and testing, and to rollout and beyond

Skills

C++

Python

Distributed systems

Docker

Kubernetes

Version control

CI/CD

Performance profiling

Relational databases

Satellites/spacecraft

Math & physics

Clearance

Independent teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science (STEM)

Tools

PostgreSQL/CockroachDB

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, TRACKING (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 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

• Build software tools and construct scenarios to analyze system performance
• 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 determining the core requirements, to prototyping, developing, and testing, and to rollout and beyond

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, data science, or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 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)
• Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems
• Strong background in math and physics
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

Additional Requirements

• Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operations
• 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 test

Compensation And Benefits

Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-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… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].