Sr. Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Sr. Software Engineer for High Performance Computing to develop software for Starlink. This role involves creating reliable, real-time systems to optimize user experiences in satellite communications.

Successful candidates will have at least 5 years of software development experience or equivalent, a degree in a STEM field, and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++. The position includes competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in software development or 7+ years without a degree.
• Experience in assembly, C, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time software for user experience.
• Lead architecture and code reviews.
• Manage experiments for design concepts.

Skills

Software development

C/C++

Problem solving

Communication skills

Real-time computing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering

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.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for the world’s best engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc.) should be formed in order to provide the best possible user experience for our low‑latency, high‑bandwidth satellite‑based global network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations, and on‑orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
• Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledgeable in real‑time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real‑time, resource‑constrained, high‑performance computing.
• Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: Software Engineer /Senior: $160,000.00 – $225,000.00 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 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.

EEO STATEMENTS

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].