Software Engineer (Starshield)

Summary

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, and they are seeking a Software Engineer for their Starshield program. The role involves creating reliable software systems for satellite control, improving constellation performance, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to innovate satellite capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Create highly reliable software systems that control hundreds of satellites in low earth orbit
• Leverage software design to improve satellite constellation performance, security, and availability to meet the needs of a wide range of users
• See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to on-orbit rollout and beyond
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to brainstorm, design, and build the next generation of satellite capabilities, from cutting-edge sensors and inter-satellite lasers to space-based cloud compute
• Write high quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.)
• Implement networking technologies to direct data across a variety of satellites, ground operations centers, and users
• Build automated ground-based software systems that integrate smart data processing with command and control of the satellites
• Develop models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or research & development projects
• Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop, and even vehicle-in-the-loop testing
• Invent new systems that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

Skills

• 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 Python or full stack software development experience
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Developed and deployed software that has been used real-world applications and projects
• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
• Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
• Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc)
• Experience developing in the Linux kernel
• Experience in C++ for high performance systems
• Experience with image data processing and machine learning
• Strong background in math and physics

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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 Python or full stack software development experience
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Nice to Haves

• Developed and deployed software that has been used real-world applications and projects
• Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
• Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
• Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc)
• Experience developing in the Linux kernel
• Experience in C++ for high performance systems
• Experience with image data processing and machine learning
• Strong background in math and physics

Benefits

• Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 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
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law