Software Engineer (Ground Segment)

SpaceX is a space technology company developing technologies to enable human life on Mars.
Hawthorne, CA, USA
$120,000 - $170,000
Backend
Mid-Level Software Engineer
In-Person
5,000+ Employees
2+ years of experience
Space

Description For Software Engineer (Ground Segment)

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer to join their Ground Segment team, responsible for mission-critical space to ground communications and tracking of Falcon, Dragon, and Starship vehicles. This role is central to SpaceX's mission of making humanity multiplanetary, working on systems that will communicate with vehicles and astronauts on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The position involves designing, developing, and testing software used by ground stations worldwide to communicate with and track spacecraft during flights. You'll work directly with Mission Control Operators and Hardware engineers to ensure mission success and system reliability. The role requires extreme ownership of projects and cross-discipline collaboration to support human spaceflight safety and success.

As part of this role, you'll have opportunities to travel to launch sites and ground stations globally, gaining hands-on experience with the hardware your software controls. The ideal candidate should be curious, collaborative, and thrive in a dynamic environment while delivering high-impact technology at scale.

The compensation package is competitive, ranging from $120,000 to $170,000 based on experience level, plus additional benefits including stock options, comprehensive healthcare, 401(k), and generous vacation time. The position requires occasional extended hours and weekend work to support critical missions.

This is an exceptional opportunity for software engineers passionate about space technology to contribute directly to SpaceX's mission of enabling human life on Mars. You'll be working with cutting-edge technology, developing systems that are crucial for spacecraft communication and mission success, while being part of a team that's literally reaching for the stars.

Last updated a day ago

Responsibilities For Software Engineer (Ground Segment)

  • Architect, develop, and test software projects that run on servers around the world to communicate with spacecraft and relay data back to SpaceX
  • Develop continuous integration and testing systems and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) systems
  • Partner with avionics, flight operators, GNC, and other stakeholders to identify and execute software solutions
  • Write automation software to streamline the flow of telemetry from multiple vehicles in space

Requirements For Software Engineer (Ground Segment)

Linux
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development
  • Experience in C++ development
  • Experience in Linux development
  • Experience networking protocols and packet processing (Ethernet 802.3, IPV4, UDP, TCP)

Benefits For Software Engineer (Ground Segment)

Medical Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
401k
Equity
Parental Leave
  • Medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks paid vacation
  • 10+ paid holidays per year
  • Stock options
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Paid sick leave

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