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.
SR. RAN SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE)
SpaceX is developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide through the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service, extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices.
Starlink Mobile was designed to connect the unconnected, and this new product will greatly expand that mission by extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Applications include connecting hikers in national parks, emergency responders, rural communities, remote sensors, and people in emergency situations.
As a Sr. Software RAN Engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will lead the validation and optimization of the 4G/5G RAN software protocol stack. This role requires strong software engineering skills to build scalable test automation frameworks and work directly with other software developers to triage and resolve complex 4G/5G protocol stack software issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the design, development, and maintenance of CI/CD test automation frameworks for eNB/gNB feature validation, including functional, performance, interoperability, and regression testing
- Analyze UE and eNB/gNB logs to debug and root-cause RAN issues, and collaborate with developers to resolves issues and drive feature improvements
- Build software tools and data pipelines to analyze RAN performance and optimize eNB/gNB parameters to improve network KPIs
- Manage and prioritize network issues while collaborating closely with development teams to drive resolution
- Troubleshoot and maintain RAN lab infrastructure in collaboration with partner teams
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline
- 5+ years of Python/C/C++ coding experience
- 5+ years of experience developing, executing, and managing automated LTE/5G-NR test cases (including test planning and results tracking)
- Experience with user equipment (UE) log analysis and associated software tools (QXDM/XCAL)
- Experience developing test automation frameworks or CI/CD pipelines
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features
- Strong understanding of LTE and 5G-NR protocols with hands-on experience resolving software issues at the PHY, MAC, and RRC layers
- Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment
- Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range: $175,000 - $240,000
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 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
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 a STEM discipline
- 5+ years Python/C/C++ coding experience
- 5+ years developing, executing, and managing automated LTE/5G-NR test cases
- Experience with UE log analysis and associated software tools (QXDM/XCAL)
- Experience developing test automation frameworks or CI/CD pipelines
- ITAR eligibility: must be U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, Asylee, or eligible for required Department of State authorizations
- In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features
- Strong understanding of LTE and 5G-NR protocols and hands-on debugging at PHY, MAC, and RRC layers
- Experience supporting products through full release cycle including commercial deployment
- Strong debugging and performance optimization skills; exceptional analytical and engineering fundamentals
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.
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