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.
EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SATELLITE ANTENNA (STARLINK)
Starlink is SpaceX’s unprecedented satellite constellation designed to deliver high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote areas around the world. By deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), we’ve created a global network that bridges the digital divide, enabling reliable connectivity for homes, business, vessels, aircraft, and more.
As a member of the Antenna Software team, you’ll own software for bring-up, characterization, and operation of advanced phased array systems. You’ll drive features at every layer of the stack, from embedded software running on microcontrollers in custom beamforming ASICs, to characterizing antennas in anechoic chambers, to defining the RF test required to produce hundreds of phased arrays per month, to building tools to analyze the on-orbit performance of our fleet of thousands of satellites serving millions of users.
Prior RF experience is not a requirement to be successful here – we’re looking for ambitious engineers who thrive when they’re diving deep on challenging, interdisciplinary problems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs that form the foundation of Starlink’s phased array antennas
- Write flight-critical software to ensure intended operation of the antenna throughout the lifecycle of the satellite
- Collaborate with phased array antenna engineers to build and implement new techniques to measure antennas as part of our CI/CD process
- Analyze on-orbit performance data and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues
- Drive production RF test features to verify hardware in the factory while maintaining a rapid rate of production
- Design and build automated measurement systems to characterize phased arrays radiating at 10-20GHz
- Provide software engineering expertise and mission-critical support to the broader Payload Engineering organization
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
- 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C or C++ (internships, collegiate clubs, and project work can apply)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience and understanding of RF fundamentals and/or communications theory
- Familiarity with radio-related lab measurement equipment and techniques such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.
- Experience with phased array antenna systems
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
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, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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.
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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
- 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C or C++
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
