Backend Software Engineer, GNC; Starlink

Backend Software Engineer, GNC (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

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.

At SpaceX, we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together.

As a software engineer working in Starlink’s Space Safety team, you will use your distributed systems knowledge to build mission‑critical systems that keep low‑earth orbit safe. With over 100 launches in 2025 and more than 9,000 satellites on orbit, Starlink requires a high degree of automation to fly safely. You’ll work on collision avoidance, space situational awareness, and orbit determination tools for our constellation, making sure we can avoid debris and other spacecraft—from pre‑launch through deorbit.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real‑world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

Responsibilities:

• Develop highly reliable and available software systems for managing thousands of satellites in low‑earth orbit.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations, and on‑orbit testing.
• Deploy reliable software, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM and 1+ year of industry and/or internship experience; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a STEM degree.
• Professional experience writing code in C++, Python, Golang, or similar.

Preferred

Skills and Experience:

• Strong professional experience writing C or C++ in a production environment.
• Experience with distributed systems or large‑scale consumer internet systems.
• Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring.
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, Cockroach DB, or similar).
• Experience with profiling and improving application performance.
• Experience in real‑time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real‑time, resource‑constrained, high‑performance computing is a plus.
• Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

Backend Software Engineer /Level I: $ – $ per year. Backend Software Engineer /Level II: $ – $ per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, company stock, stock options, long‑term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

Employees…