Software Engineer, Satellite Systems; Starshield

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.

As a software engineer on the Starshield Core team, you will be solving challenges across every part of our network and will be fully responsible for software used to control, monitor, and grow our constellation. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the code and products you create, from inception and development, to testing and rollout. You will write highly reliable software that both runs as part of our distributed ground system, and that flies in space aboard the satellites.

• Developing systems to provide secure command and control capability of our satellites
• Designing systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all components of the network
• Iterating on critical high throughput networking systems across our ground network
• Creating new monitoring and observability tools to allow operators to fly our satellites safely and securely
• Designing development and testing tooling to accelerate teams across the Starshield organization
• Owning datacenter software and hardware used in controlling the Starshield network

• 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++ and developing on a Linux platform

• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and software 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
• Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, Cockroach DB, or similar)
• 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, 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

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 discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase…