Satellite On-Orbit Operations Software Engineer (Starlink)

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.

SATELLITE ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to more than 12M+ users worldwide, and that's only scratching the surface of the potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As an engineer on this team, your primary focus will be engineering systems to scale the operation of the largest collection of on-orbit hardware in history. You will sit at the intersection of software, electrical, and mechanical engineering—ensuring hardware on 10k+ satellites robustly serves millions of users from low-Earth orbit while maintaining collision avoidance and space safety. You will develop and deploy software (often within hours or days) to automate fault detection and response on-vehicle and on the ground. You will operate the constellation—sending commands, responding to alerts in real-time, and driving process improvements to achieve the highest reliability with an efficient operator count. You will work with subsystem design engineers (software, electrical, hardware), guidance navigation and control engineers, and network engineers to develop tools and upgrades that feed directly into next-generation satellite designs.

Generally - we are looking for engineers of any background who have both strong software ability and experience with hardware systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and rapidly deploy software (to satellites and ground systems) that automates fault detection, response, and operational workflows
• Build and improve ground software systems that manage vehicle state, streamline commanding, support deorbits, and enable real-time anomaly triage
• Develop operational processes, strategies, and automation for new hardware versions, new satellite capabilities, and evolving performance targets
• Detect and triage emerging anomalies on satellite bus and payload hardware and command orbital assets in a rotating on-call schedule
• Collaborate closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, electrical, GNC, network, test) to deliver high-performance, high-reliability connectivity
• Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, physics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of professional software development experience (Python and/or C++ strongly preferred; experience with SQL, bash, or similar also valuable)
• Experience building software that interacts with hardware (e.g., robotics, embedded systems, control systems, test automation)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, physics, or other STEM discipline
• Strong understanding of computers, programming languages (Python, C/C++), and formal software development processes
• Experience with real-time or near-real-time systems, automation, and data-driven decision making
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems (robotics, spacecraft, industrial automation, or similar)
• Understanding of hardware reliability and electrical+mechanical failure mechanisms
• Experience developing functional test plans, field operations tools, or operational software for physical systems
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Ability to work on an “on-call” basis on a weeklong rotational schedule

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to [email protected].