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.
SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER (WIRELESS PROTOCOL ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX, we’re connecting the globe with Starlink, Swarm, and other innovative connectivity solutions. Leveraging our experience building rockets, satellites, ground stations, and network infrastructure, we continue to expand our connectivity offerings to connect people and devices around the world.
To be successful, we have to own the entire technology stack — low-level custom silicon design and massive phased-array digital beamforming firmware, all layers of protocol stack software (L1/L2/L3), centralized network orchestration and topology management, and the core network that connects users to the applications they love.
Not only do we build the technology ourselves, but we also operate and maintain it. Short release cycles and end-to-end network ownership enables us to innovate faster than what was previously possible for a telecommunications network of this scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, implement, test, maintain, and document L2/L3 protocol software for SpaceX satellite communication networks.
- Write session management software that scales to ten's of thousands of users per satellite.
- Implement handover procedures that are seamless and lossless from the end user's perspective.
- Lead analysis and debugging of complex cross-layer wireless protocol issues throughout all stages of development, test, and deployment.
- Work with MAC/PHY and network software teams to integrate L2/L3 protocol software into the rest of the system.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree.
- 5+ years of professional development experience in C/C++.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
- Knowledge of at least one wireless protocol technology or standard, such as 5G-NR, LTE, or Wi-Fi, with an in-depth understanding of L2/L3 aspects.
- Understanding of network layer concepts such as IPv4, IPv6, Mobile IP, packet routing, and packet forwarding.
- Experience developing software that scales to managing ten's of thousands of simultaneous connections or sessions.
- Experience developing wireless network management software.
- Experience with or interest in owning project outcomes.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work onsite in Mountain View, CA, Irvine, CA, or Redmond, WA.
- Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
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.