Sr. RAN Software Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives (stock)

Medical, vision, dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Company shuttle

Job summary

SpaceX, based in Redmond, WA, seeks a Sr. RAN Software Engineer for the Starlink Mobile program to validate and optimize the 4G/5G RAN software stack and to build scalable test automation with software engineers.

The role requires strong Python/C/C++ skills and 5+ years in LTE/5G automated testing, plus familiarity with 3GPP specs, UE logs, and CI/CD pipelines. You will lead RAN lab work, analyze logs, and collaborate to deliver robust software for global connectivity and satellite-to-mobile

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline.
• 5+ years Python/C/C++ coding experience.
• 5+ years automated LTE/5G-NR test case experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI/CD test automation frameworks for eNB/gNB validation.
• Analyze UE and eNB/gNB logs to debug RAN issues.
• Build software tools to analyze RAN performance and optimize eNB/gNB parameters.
• Manage and prioritize network issues while collaborating with dev teams.
• Troubleshoot and maintain RAN lab infrastructure.

Skills

Python/C/C++

LTE/5G test automation

UE log analysis

CI/CD pipelines

Debugging performance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

QXDM/XCAL

Job description

Sr. RAN Software Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Redmond, WA

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.

SR. RAN SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE)

SpaceX is developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide through the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service, extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Starlink Mobile was designed to connect the unconnected, and this new product will greatly expand that mission by extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Applications include connecting hikers in national parks, emergency responders, rural communities, remote sensors, and people in emergency situations.

As a Sr. RAN Software Engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will lead the validation and optimization of the 4G/5G RAN software protocol stack. This role requires strong software engineering skills to build scalable test automation frameworks and work directly with other software developers to triage and resolve complex 4G/5G protocol stack software issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of CI/CD test automation frameworks for eNB/gNB feature validation, including functional, performance, interoperability, and regression testing
• Analyze UE and eNB/gNB logs to debug and root-cause RAN issues, and collaborate with developers to resolve issues and drive feature improvements
• Build software tools and data pipelines to analyze RAN performance and optimize eNB/gNB parameters to improve network KPIs
• Manage and prioritize network issues while collaborating closely with development teams to drive resolution
• Troubleshoot and maintain RAN lab infrastructure in collaboration with partner teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline
• 5+ years of Python/C/C++ coding experience
• 5+ years of experience developing, executing, and managing automated LTE/5G-NR test cases (including test planning and results tracking)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features
• Experience with user equipment (UE) log analysis and associated software tools (QXDM/XCAL)
• Experience developing test automation frameworks or CI/CD pipelines
• Strong understanding of LTE and 5G-NR protocols with hands‑on experience resolving software issues at the PHY, MAC, and RRC layers
• Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment
• Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $165,000.00 - $270,000.00

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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

• 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].