Embedded Software Engineer, OS​/Platform; Starshield

Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform (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.

EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, OS/PLATFORM (STARSHIELD)

The Starshield mission is to support national security through a focus on timely and reliable information delivery. Our partners in the intelligence community and defense services need best-in-class technology, developed and fielded quickly and iteratively. Our goals are focused on delivering meaningful new capabilities through both new hardware development and continual software innovation.

The Starshield Software team is building software that controls satellites, operates sensors, and creates secure end-to-end communications links on embedded hardware systems. Our engineers are hands‑on developing embedded systems and testing new hardware, as well as partnering directly with end customers to understand their unique needs.

As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Starshield program, you will be solving challenging problems that underpin every aspect of the program’s growth. The areas you could have an impact on could include, but are not limited to:

• Developing software from early-stage boot loaders to mission‑critical business logic, with strong emphasis on deterministic, secure, and high‑performance platforms for all Space
  
  X Linux‑based spacecraft and ground components
• Bringing up next generation space‑grade silicon, including in‑house designed system‑on‑chip and peripherals
• Building infrastructure and tools to enable rapid development and testing of new features across the OS and platform layer

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

• Maintain and update in house branches of OSS software such as Linux, Buildroot, and u‑boot
• Support secure boot and runtime security of all Linux based satellite components
• Maintain the spacecraft Ethernet network and connectivity
• Develop, deploy and test spacecraft software update process
• Support in‑house System on Chip and peripheral through the life‑cycle of the part
• Support OS/Platform specific test infrastructure
• Development and support device drivers for third party and in‑house components
• Be the first software team to receive new satellite components
• Interface with Silicon, Electrical, and Software Engineers to bring hardware from prototype stage to on‑orbit operations

• 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, C++, Python, or Rust

• Experience developing in the Linux kernel
• Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc)
• Experience working with computer architecture and modern secure boot flows
• Experience with ARM embedded systems
• Experience with testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & continuous monitoring
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

• 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
Software Engineer/Level II: $ - $ per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may…