Wi-Fi Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX
Palo Alto, CA

Who this role is best for

Embedded systems experts with Wi-Fi protocol knowledge will find this mid-level role at SpaceX in Palo Alto, CA, focusing on product development and cross-team collaboration.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level engineers with embedded systems experience and a strong grasp of Wi-Fi protocols
    — “Experience with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc.)
  • Candidates who thrive in cross-functional teams and have a track record of driving projects
    — “Experience driving cross-team projects
  • Individuals who can build tools for continuous integration and deployment processes
    — “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

Things to consider

  • The role requires extended hours and weekends as needed, which may affect work-life balance.
    — “Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Candidates must meet specific ITAR requirements, which may limit eligibility.
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national...

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with kernel-level debugging and optimization in your resume and interviews.
    — “Debug and optimize kernel-level system performance
  • Emphasize your ability to mentor others and contribute to team culture.
    — “Mentor software engineers and building a great work culture
  • Showcase your familiarity with Linux bridge and network stack internals.
    — “Knowledge of DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, Linux bridge, network stack internals
  • Demonstrate your experience with embedded software for networking equipment.
    — “Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment
  • Include examples of tools you've built for continuous integration and deployment.
    — “Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment...
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid Level

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

What success looks like

  • optimized kernel-level system performance
  • improved Wi-Fi mesh performance
  • frequent and reliable software deployment
Typical background
1+ years of professional experience in software developmentBachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline

Skills & requirements

Required

C Or C++IEEE 802.11 Wireless StandardNetworking ProtocolsEmbedded SystemsWi-fi Software DevelopmentLinux BridgeNetwork Stack InternalsContinuous Integration

Preferred

GoPythonHostapSecurity IssuesDistributed SystemsAi-assisted Workflows

Stack & domain

CC++IEEE 802.11UDPTcp/ipGoPythonHostap

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.

WI-FI SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system including thousands of satellites 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.

As a Wi-Fi Software Engineer, you will be a critical piece of the overall customer experience. We are looking for experts in the Wi-Fi space to help Starlink deliver an amazing end-to-end customer experience. You see the big picture, prioritize accordingly, and are comfortable with working at different levels of abstraction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Driving the Wi-Fi software and product roadmap

Debug and optimize kernel-level system performance

Collaborate with our RF and EE engineers to improving our testing procedures for both software and hardware

Mentor software engineers and building a great work culture

Improve our Wi-Fi mesh performance

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 STEM discipline and 1+ years of professional experience in software development; or 3+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree

1+ years development experience in C or C++

Experience with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc.)

Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong fundamental knowledge of networks, embedded systems, math, and physics

Solid communication and leadership skills

Experience testing Wi-Fi for performance or stability

Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & continuous monitoring

Knowledge of DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, Linux bridge, network stack internals

Experience with networking kernel modules and drivers

Experience driving cross-team projects

Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services

Experience with Golang and Python

Experience with hostAP

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay Range:    

Wi-Fi Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Wi-Fi Software Engineer/Level 2: $155,000.00 - $210,000.00/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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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