Software Engineer, Beam Planning (Starshield)

Software Engineer, Beam Planning (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

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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, BEAM PLANNING (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a Beam Planning Software Engineer on the Starshield program, you will be working on real time scheduling systems which coordinate the payload behavior for the Starshield constellation. Our goal is to ensure that space and ground hardware is optimally scheduled to minimize latency, maximize constellation uptime, throughput and reliability.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop highly reliable, real-time software that plans and executes network topology for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network in order to connect assets and maximize user experience

• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews

• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts

• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing

BASIC 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 assembly

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing

• Familiarity in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization

• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects

• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

• Experience with distributed systems and internet services

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 ITARhere ( .

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