Software Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The Starshield software team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers. 

As a software engineer on the Starshield Core team, you will be solving challenges across every part of our network and will be fully responsible for software used to control, monitor, and grow our constellation. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the code and products you create, from inception and development, to testing and rollout. You will write highly reliable software that both runs as part of our distributed ground system, and that flies in space aboard the satellites.

• →Developing systems to provide secure command and control capability of our satellites
• →Designing systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all components of the network
• →Iterating on critical high throughput networking systems across our ground network
• →Creating new monitoring and observability tools to allow operators to fly our satellites safely and securely
• →Designing development and testing tooling to accelerate teams across the Starshield organization
• →Owning datacenter software and hardware used in controlling the Starshield network

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C++ and developing on a Linux platform

• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and software testing
• Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

• 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.