Software Engineer, Tracking (Starshield)

Latent AI; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Disability insurance

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Hawthorne, California, is seeking a Software Engineer for the Starshield project. This role focuses on developing systems for national security efforts using SpaceX's advanced technologies. Candidates should have a strong foundation in programming, particularly C++ or Python, and experience with distributed systems. The team is dedicated to building mission-critical software that ensures orbital safety and requires collaboration across various functions. This opportunity offers attractive compensation and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, data science, or a relevant engineering field.
• Software development experience in C++ or Python.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Build software tools and scenarios to analyze system performance.
• Develop prototypes to establish key design concepts.
• Collaborate with engineers to plan and organize development.
• Oversee software from requirements to rollout and beyond.

Skills

C++

Python

Distributed systems

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, data science, or engineering discipline

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

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 ofenabling 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note that 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 testing
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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. Thosewith an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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, 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.

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 Affi…or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].