Sr. Wi-Fi Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Wi‑Fi Software Engineer for Starlink to drive Wi‑Fi software and the product roadmap, and to collaborate with RF/EE teams on testing, deployment, and CI/CD processes.

The role demands strong C/C++ development and embedded networking experience, with a focus on performance and reliability. The candidate will mentor engineers, improve mesh performance, and contribute to a cutting-edge broadband system used globally by diverse customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional software development experience; or 7+ years of professional experience in lieu of degree.
• 3+ years of development experience in C or C++.
• Experience with IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP).
• Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Wi‑Fi software and product roadmap.
• Debug and optimize kernel‑level system performance.
• Collaborate with RF and EE engineers to improve testing procedures for software and hardware.
• Mentor software engineers and build a great work culture.
• Improve Wi‑Fi mesh performance.
• Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system.

Skills

C/C++ Development

IEEE 802.11

Embedded software

Networking protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or STEM

Tools

Golang

Python

HostAP

Job description

SR. WI-FI SOFTWARE ENGINEER (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, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system including thousands of satellites and millions of customer kits. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. While users can get online within minutes almost anywhere in the world, we've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential. We are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for individuals, communities, and businesses.

As a Sr. Wi‑Fi Software Engineer, you will be a critical piece of the overall customer experience. You see the big picture, prioritize accordingly, and are comfortable with working at different levels of abstraction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive the Wi‑Fi software and product roadmap.
• Debug and optimize kernel‑level system performance.
• Collaborate with RF and EE engineers to improve testing procedures for software and hardware.
• Mentor software engineers and build a great work culture.
• Improve Wi‑Fi mesh performance.
• Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system.

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 lieu of degree.
• 3+ years of development experience in C or C++.
• Experience with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc.).
• Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong fundamental knowledge of networks, embedded systems, math, and physics.
• Solid communication and leadership skills.
• Experience testing Wi‑Fi for performance or stability.
• Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment and continuous monitoring.
• Knowledge of DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, Linux bridge, network stack internals.
• Experience with networking kernel modules and drivers.
• Experience driving cross‑team projects.
• Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services.
• Experience with Golang and Python.
• Experience with hostAP.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: Sr. Wi‑Fi Software Engineer: $175,000.00 - $230,000.00 per year.

The 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 (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].