Embedded Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX
Bastrop, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for embedded systems professionals who design and implement software for custom hardware and have experience with distributed systems, who are willing to work in Texas and handle high-stakes, mission-critical development.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in embedded systems and real-world deployment of software on physical devices
    — “Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world embedded devices
  • Individuals who have worked with low-level systems and are familiar with Linux-based development for microcontrollers
    — “Write quality Linux based software for common processors and microcontrollers (e.g. ARM, RISC V, etc.)
  • Engineers who are comfortable with rapid development and testing across multiple environments
    — “Develop systems that allow for test execution across multiple environments

Things to consider

  • The role requires U.S. citizenship or residency due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident
  • Candidates must be prepared for extended hours and weekend work as needed
    — “Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with fault-tolerant systems and long-term device maintenance in your resume
    — “Design and implement highly available, fault-tolerant consumer devices
  • Highlight contributions to continuous integration and deployment tools in your work history
    — “Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment
  • Showcase your debugging and performance optimization skills with specific examples
    — “Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and testing
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developed software for custom hardware
  • created tools for rapid deployment
  • improved user experience of satellite internet
Typical background
degree in computer science or engineering1+ years of professional experience in software engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Embedded SystemsLinuxCC++GoPythonRustNetworking ProtocolsDebuggingPerformance OptimizationTesting

Preferred

Distributed SystemsSecurity

Stack & domain

CC++GoPythonRustLinuxARMRISC VTcp/ipElectronicsMathPhysicsRadio FrequencyDebuggingPerformance OptimizationTestingSecurity IssuesDistributed SystemsProblem SolvingAnalytical SkillsEngineering FundamentalsEmbedded SystemsLow Level Systems DevelopmentSatellite Internet

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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 (STARLINK)

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions users worldwide. We design, build, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system including thousands of satellites, hundreds of gateways, and millions of customer kits. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. While users can get online within minutes almost anywhere in the world, we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential. We are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for individuals, communities, and businesses. Below are just some of the focus areas for software teams on Starlink: 

Develop software running on custom hardware that is deployed to millions of devices around the world

Create infrastructure and tools for rapid and reliable deployment of our code to our customers no matter where they are

Write software for Starlink’s custom phased array and modem silicon

Radically improve the user experience of satellite internet

Develop a telemetry system that scales to millions of devices with trillions of data points

Build robust systems that are resistant to adversarial attacks

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and implement highly available, fault-tolerant consumer devices and gateways that operate for long periods of time with minimal maintenance for millions of users

Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews

Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints

Work with the Starlink factory to manufacture devices in-house

Write quality Linux based software for common processors and microcontrollers (e.g. ARM, RISC V, etc.)

Develop systems that allow for test execution across multiple environments such as virtualized hardware or real hardware-in-the-loop simulations

Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a STEM discipline and 1+ years of professional experience in software engineering; OR 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering in lieu of a degree 

Development experience in C, C++, Golang, Python, or Rust

Experience with embedded or low level systems development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world embedded devices

Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals

Solid fundamental knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP etc.), electronics, math, physics, and radio frequency

Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and testing

Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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