Software Engineer, Tracking (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.

As a software engineer working in Starshield’s GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) organization, you will use your distributed systems knowledge to build mission-critical systems that keep low-earth orbit safe. You’ll work on payload management and orbital prediction tools for the large spacecraft constellations, and the analysis pipelines that prove those systems are working for our fleet.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. 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.

• →Build software tools and construct scenarios to analyze system performance
• →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
• →See your software through from start to finish: from determining the core requirements, to prototyping, developing, and testing, and to rollout and beyond

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, data science, or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python

• Experience with distributed systems or large-scale consumer internet systems
• Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
• Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring
• Experience with profiling and improving application performance
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
• Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems
• Strong background in math and physics
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

• Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operations
• 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 test

• 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.