Sr. Software Engineer, Network Observability (Starlink)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock options / long-term incentives

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Software Engineer for the Starlink Network Monitoring team to design, build, and scale observability software across the Starlink network, including satellites, user terminals, gateways, and ground infrastructure.

You will enable real-time alerting and generate rich performance metrics to help gauge service quality and constellation health. This role requires strong backend experience with Python/Go/Java, frontend skills with React, and familiarity with Docker/Kubernetes

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, fault-tolerant data ingestion pipelines to reliably consume raw, high-volume telemetry streams from Starlink satellites, user terminals, gateways, and ground infrastructure in real time
• Develop frontend visualizations, interactive dashboards, and UI components that present processed data in clear, real-time views for monitoring teams and stakeholders
• Drive automation to reduce manual effort in network monitoring operations and improve anomaly detection accuracy
• Maintain high software standards and software engineering best practices across the full stack
• Deep dive into business problems, find efficient solutions and apply first principles thinking

Skills

Backend development

Python

Go

Java

React

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering/Math or STEM

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

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, NETWORK OBSERVABILITY (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.

As a Software Engineer on the Starlink Network Monitoring team, you'll design, build, and scale software that powers observability for the entire Starlink network. You will enable real-time alerting and generate rich performance and reliability metrics that help the company understand customer quality of service, track constellation network health, drive engineering initiatives, and provide other critical insights. This is a high-impact position where your contributions will shape how we observe and operate one of the most ambitious systems ever built.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement scalable, fault-tolerant data ingestion pipelines to reliably consume raw, high-volume telemetry streams from Starlink satellites, user terminals, gateways, and ground infrastructure in real time
• Develop frontend visualizations, interactive dashboards, and UI components that present processed data in clear, real-time views for monitoring teams and stakeholders
• Drive automation to reduce manual effort in network monitoring operations and improve anomaly detection accuracy
• Maintain high software standards and software engineering best practices across the full stack
• Deep dive into business problems, find efficient solutions and apply first principles thinking

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience building or operating large-scale observability, telemetry, or real-time analytics systems
• Strong backend experience with Python, Go, Java, or similar languages
• Frontend experience with React, Angular, or a comparable JavaScript framework
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, etc.) and/or distributed data systems
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes in production environments
• Familiarity with streaming data platforms or high-volume data pipelines
• Demonstrated ability to own projects end-to-end and deliver reliable, high-quality software

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Ability to work on an "on-call" basis on a weeklong rotational schedule

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Pay Range: Level 3: $165,000.00 - $265,000.00
• 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 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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’sAffirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].