Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

SpaceX
Redmond, WA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for software engineers who design and test fault-tolerant systems and have experience with aerospace or robotics domains.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in real-time or distributed systems and a passion for aerospace missions
    — “Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems
  • Engineers who thrive in dynamic environments and are capable of adapting to evolving requirements
    — “Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

Things to consider

  • Extended hours and weekend work are expected when necessary for mission timelines
    — “Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
  • Candidates must meet strict U.S. export regulations for eligibility
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with full software lifecycle management and system testing frameworks
    — “Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations
  • Emphasize your ability to debug and optimize performance in complex systems
    — “Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
  • Showcase your knowledge of computer architecture and networks in your technical projects
    — “Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Demonstrate your ability to work independently and take initiative in problem-solving
    — “Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • developed highly reliable autonomous software systems
  • designed software for space vehicles and ground systems
  • built prototypes and analyzed system metrics
Typical background
computer scienceengineeringmath

Skills & requirements

Required

C/c++PythonSoftware DesignDevelopment ExperienceFault ToleranceDistributed SystemsLinux ProgrammingDebuggingPerformance OptimizationPerformance Testing

Preferred

Aerospace ExperienceKnowledge Of PhysicsElectronics

Stack & domain

C/c++PythonLinux ProgrammingDebuggingPerformance OptimizationPerformance TestingCross-context Test DesignSystem Metrics AnalysisStrong Software Design And Development SkillsCollaborationTeamworkCommunicationLeadershipProblem-solvingInitiativeAdaptabilityAerospaceSpace ExplorationSatellite TechnologyAIMachine Learning

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARLINK)

As an engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world’s largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission. 

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an ambitious and inspiring mission. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness 

Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them 

Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints 

Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations 

Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development 

Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team. Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team. 

Strong software design and development skills 

Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems 

Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests 

Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks 

Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics 

Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing 

Familiarity with Linux programming 

Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements 

Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00

Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00

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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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