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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK WIRELESS CONTROL PLANE)

At SpaceX you will be working on the next era of internet, enabled by a constellation of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites, which will provide fast and reliable broadband service anywhere on earth, especially to populations with little or no connectivity.

This position involves designing and implementing control plane software at the link layer on Starlink network satellites, gateways and user terminals. You will engage with engineers from other SpaceX teams to design interfaces with other software modules for providing new link layer capabilities. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software you create, including development, testing, and support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, test, maintain, and document link-layer control plane protocols for the Starlink satellite communications network.
• Use network monitoring tools to analyze and monitor control plane software performance. Debug and fix network reliability issues.
• Participate in architecture, design and code reviews and provide peer feedback.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline.
• Professional development experience in C/C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of professional experience in embedded Linux C/C++ software development on a wireless or network communications product.
• Experience in multithread/multicore, network programming in Linux environment.
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing.
• Scripting ability with Python or similar.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP protocol stack.
• Development experience with control plane signaling/L3 protocols related to Wi-Fi, UMTS, LTE or satellite broadband is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position can be located in Mountain View, CA or Redmond, WA.
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability 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 to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.