Software Engineer, Flight Software C++ (Starshield

Software Engineer, Flight Software C++ (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE C++ (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages Space

X’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The Starshield software team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next‑gen communication and sensing software, and more. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission.

As we expand this team, we’re looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers.

Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. We build tools that enable us to work more efficiently, and that help us build software systems that are secure, reliable, and autonomous. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C or C++

• Experience with embedded systems (e.g., STM
  32, Arduino, or similar microcontrollers) and low level firmware development
• Strong knowledge of Linux internals including core platform and user‑space application development/debugging
• Cross‑context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware‑in‑the‑loop regression and exploratory tests
• Knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
• Experience in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
• 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

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Space
  
  X reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• 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.

Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $ - $/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $ - $/per…