Software Engineer; Starshield

Space

X – Software Engineer (Starshield)

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.

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, and developing next‑generation communication and sensing software. Aerospace experience is not required; we look for engineers who love solving problems and are eager to make an impact on an inspiring mission.

• Create highly reliable software systems that control hundreds of satellites in low earth orbit.
• Leverage software design to improve satellite constellation performance, security, and availability to meet the needs of a wide range of users.
• See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to on‑orbit rollout and beyond.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to brainstorm, design, and build the next generation of satellite capabilities, from cutting‑edge sensors and inter‑satellite lasers to space‑based cloud compute.

• Write high‑quality Linux‑based C++ software for common processors and micro‑controllers (e.g., ARM, Power
  
  PC, x86, etc.).
• Implement networking technologies to direct data across a variety of satellites, ground operations centers, and users.
• Build automated ground‑based software systems that integrate smart data processing with command and control of the satellites.
• Develop models and simulations for flight‑like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or research & development projects.
• Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and even vehicle‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Invent new systems that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system.

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

• Developed and deployed software that has been used in real‑world applications and projects.
• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks.
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
• Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirementsli>
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance.
• Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc.).
• Experience developing in the Linux kernel.
• Experience in C++ for high‑performance systems.
• Experience with image data processing and machine learning.
• Strong background in math and physics.

• 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.

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