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. SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK GROUND NETWORK)
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 millions of 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.
Building a network with the ambition of Starlink requires the best minds in the networking and network software industry. As an engineer focused on Starlink’s ground network infrastructure, you will have a direct impact on scaling deployment, provisioning, and operations through robust network automation. Starlink will provide plenty of areas for you to own and improve key features for the program.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop highly reliable and available software systems for our low latency, high-capacity satellite-based global Internet service provider network.
- Develop well-architected, responsive, and performant web applications (our system is a .NET micro-service architecture running in Kubernetes)
- Focus on continuous monitoring and alerting to foster data-driven business decisions and improve the quality and observability of our systems.
- Work closely with internal partners to drive successful outcomes for the business
- Collaborate with other engineering teams across Starlink to advance our engineering process in architecture, design, and code reviews
- Deep dive into your users’ problems to find and create efficient solutions
- Bring your voice to the table in team collaborations on architecture, design, and code reviews
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Programming experience in Python, C#, .NET, Go, Scala, Java, or similar object-oriented language
- Production experience with Docker and Kubernetes
- Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
- Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies
- Experience with distributed systems or large-scale consumer Internet services.
- Routing and MPLS Protocols, including BGP, ISIS, and Segment Routing
- Strong networking knowledge of TCP/IP
- Experience with modern networking protocols, their application and traffic types: TCP/IPv4/IPv6, voice, video, broadcast, streaming, etc.
- 5+ years of experience with Linux systems engineering and administration
- Thorough knowledge of systems, software development, networks, electronics, math and physics.
- Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. 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].
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Similar Jobs
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.
