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Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX· Starshield Software Engineering
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Hawthorne, CA$125k - $150kPosted 3mo ago

About the role

Software Engineer for SpaceX Starshield, focusing on secure, reliable software for satellite constellations and space-based systems. Roles span from development to on-orbit deployment, with cross-functional collaboration and opportunities across focus areas within the Starshield software team.

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
  • Write high quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.)
  • Implement networking technologies to direct data across a variety of satellites, ground operations centers, and 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
  • Invent new systems that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

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

Skills

Required:Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experienceProgramming languages (C, C++, Python)Software development lifecycle
Nice to have:Debugging, performance optimization, unit testingLinux-based developmentNetworking

Benefits

  • long-term incentives, including stock or long-term cash awards
  • discretionary bonuses and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks paid vacation plus 10+ paid holidays per year
  • paid sick leave as per company policy
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

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