Software Engineer; starshield Software

Software Engineer (star shield) Build secure, reliable flight software for SpaceX Starshield satellite constellation and ground systems.

Location:

Hawthorne, California, United States

Compensation: $125, USD / year

Job Tags:
Software

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.

Starshield leverages SpaceX'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.

Responsibilities:

• 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

Basic qualifications:

• 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++, or Python or full stack software development experience

Preferred skills and 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 requirements
• 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

Additional requirements:

• 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, SpaceX 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

Compensation and benefits:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $ - $ Level 2: $ - $

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  may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential…