Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

Software Engineer, Flight Software (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.

As an engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world’s largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an ambitious and inspiring mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness
• Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them
• Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
• Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations
• Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development
• Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team. Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team.

• Strong software design and development skills
• Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests
• Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
• Familiarity with Linux programming
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

• Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500 - $145,000 per year
• Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000 - $170,000 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 part of your total rewards package, including potential long-term incentives, stock options, bonuses, and a 401(k). You will also receive medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid time off, holidays, sick leave, and other benefits. Company shuttles are offered to SpaceX employees from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should reach out to