Sr. Wireless Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Disability insurance

Job summary

SpaceX in Palo Alto is seeking a Sr. Wireless Software Engineer (Starlink) to develop firmware, embedded software, and signal-processing algorithms for the Starlink broadband network.

You will design and maintain the wireless stack, participate in hardware bring-up, and collaborate across teams to deliver end-to-end connectivity for a world-class satellite system. SpaceX offers a competitive pay range with strong benefits and stock options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM; or 2+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Experience with wireless software or network protocols.
• Strong knowledge of wireless communications and signal processing.
• Experience with RF/mixed-signal ICs or systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain wireless software stack for Starlink.
• Architect current and next-gen Starlink hardware and signal-processing algorithms.
• Assist hardware bring-up, debugging, verification, and launch.
• Collaborate across teams for cross-layer integration of the end-to-end system.
• Develop prototypes to validate key design concepts and constraints.
• Work with engineers to plan and organize product development.

Skills

C/C++

Wireless software

Network protocols

Signal processing

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math/STEM

2+ years experience software engineering

Tools

RF spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

Signal generator

Oscilloscope

Job description

Sr. Wireless Software Engineer (Starlink)

At SpaceX, we are deploying Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. As a member of the Starlink programs, you will develop firmware, embedded software and signal‑processing algorithms, networking protocols, and infrastructure tools to support the largest satellite constellation.

Engineering Challenges

• Firmware, embedded, and signal‑processing software on custom hardware flying the world’s largest fleet of spacecraft.
• Cutting‑edge networking algorithms to connect thousands of satellites to millions of users in real time.
• Infrastructure and tools that enable a highly reliable, software‑defined global network.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain physical and MAC‑layer software of the wireless software stack for the Starlink communications network.
• Participate in architecting current and next‑gen Starlink hardware and signal‑processing algorithms.
• Participate in hardware bring‑up, debugging, verification, and launch.
• Work with other teams for cross‑layer integration of the end‑to‑end system.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; or 2+ years of professional software engineering experience, programming with C or C++ in lieu of a degree.
• Experience working with wireless software or network protocols.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of wireless communications, signal processing, and/or network protocols.
• Knowledge of RF systems and fundamentals: noise figure, link budget, non‑linearity.
• Experience writing software for RF/mixed‑signal integrated circuits and/or systems (e.g., phase‑locked loops, mixers, data‑converters, RF attenuators).
• Familiar with design and implementation of DSP algorithms: FFT, time and frequency‑domain equalizers, channel estimation, pilot tracking, digital pre‑distortion, Doppler compensation.
• Experience with lab equipment such as RF spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope.
• Experience in physical and/or MAC layers of broadband access technologies such as Wi‑Fi, LTE, 5G, or satellite broadband.
• Creative problem‑solving, exceptional analytical skills, and strong engineering fundamentals.
• Strong debugging, performance optimization, and unit‑testing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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: $170,000.00 – $235,000.00 per year. Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to the base salary, you may be eligible for long‑term incentives, performance bonuses, stock options, a company stock purchase plan, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, discounts, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays, and paid sick leave. All benefits meet or exceed applicable law.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

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].