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Principal Software Engineer, Power Optimization (Starlink)

SpaceX· Starlink Constellation Engineering
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Redmond, WA$210k - $345kFull-timePosted 3w ago

About the role

Software Engineer on the Power Optimization team responsible for high-performance, safety-critical software that makes billions of operational decisions per day for 10k+ Starlink satellites; develops first-principles physics models of satellite power and thermal behavior and optimizes payload utilization under energy and thermal constraints.

Responsibilities

  • Write highly reliable ground and vehicle software to control thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.
  • Develop constellation optimization algorithms, working with engineers across many disciplines to understand satellite operational requirements and physical constraints.
  • Design future satellite constellations: define requirements and build simulations for rapid iteration on hardware and software trades.
  • Own the complete lifecycle of your code, including development, testing, verification, rollout, and monitoring.
  • Participate in code reviews for others, and maintain a high standard for code quality.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 8+ years of professional experience in software development / solving optimization problems; OR 10+ years of professional experience in software development / solving optimization problems in lieu of a degree
  • Proficiency in C/C++ or another systems programming language (e.g. Rust).

Skills

Required:Software developmentC/C++ or systems programming

Benefits

  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • paid vacation (3 weeks)
  • 10 or more paid holidays per year
  • employee stock purchase plan
  • stock or long-term cash awards (long-term incentives)
  • discounts and perks
  • company shuttles from select Seattle locations to SpaceX Redmond office (Mon–Fri)
Last updated Sep 30, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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