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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK GROUND NETWORKING)
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 3M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
This position entails creating software to design, develop, launch, and operate a low-latency, high-capacity broadband network. You will engage with other SpaceX engineers to discover the needs of the missions and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into reality. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software you create, including development, testing, and support.
As an engineer here, you will be a critical part of the Starlink network engineering team and help build, secure, and operate a network with global visibility and scale. Engineers on this team manage network deployments and related configurations within the Starlink network and have a significant impact on the service delivered to our customers around the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop highly reliable software solutions that are used across SpaceX
- Build prototypes to prove key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
- Own all aspects of software engineering and product development
- Bring your voice to the table in team collaborations on architecture, design, and code reviews
- Design and implement highly available, fault-tolerant network automation and monitoring systems that operate for long periods with minimal maintenance at scale
- Design and implement data collection and ingestion pipeline to empower network reliability and operation tools (network telemetry, failure detection, alert generation, mitigation services, network visualization, etc.)
- Strong operational and network reliability role focused on building and maintaining the world's most robust, performant, and automated broadband network
- Linux systems engineering and administration
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).
- Development experience in C++, Python or Go
- Experience with modern networking protocols, their application and traffic types: (TCP/IPv4/IPv6, voice, video, broadcast, streaming)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with Linux systems engineering and administration
- Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real-world applications/projects
- Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and large-scale consumer internet services
- Strong understanding of Docker and Kubernetes, or similar technologies
- Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
- Creative approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals
- Strong networking knowledge of TCP/IP
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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.
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Top Skills
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.
