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Software Engineer, Embedded Software (Starshield)

SpaceX· Starshield Software Engineering
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Hawthorne, CA$125k - $145kFull-timePosted 7mo ago

About the role

The Starshield mission delivers timely and reliable information to national security partners by developing and fielding embedded software and hardware for satellites and ground systems. Software engineers write and test code, work with end customers, and influence system outcomes across the full development lifecycle for onboard and ground-based software.

Responsibilities

  • Create highly reliable software systems that control thousands of satellites in low earth orbit
  • 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
  • Work directly with end customers to deliver quality products and data to meet their needs
  • Write high quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.)
  • Develop novel embedded cryptography applications for satellites and ground equipment
  • Develop highly performant networks to connect sensor data to end users
  • Build automated ground-based software systems that integrate smart data processing with command and control of the satellites
  • Develop models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or research & development projects
  • Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop, and even vehicle-in-the-loop testing

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 Rust

Skills

Required:CC++
Nice to have:Rust

Benefits

  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation
  • 10 or more paid holidays per year
  • paid sick leave
  • stock options and/or long-term incentives (subject to eligibility)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • various discounts and perks
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

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