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Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, founded under the belief that exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting.
$160,000 - $220,000
Senior Software Engineer
In-Person
5,000+ Employees
5+ years of experience
Space
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Description For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join their Starlink flight software team, working on critical systems that control both space vehicles and ground systems for the world's largest satellite constellation.

As a flight software engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software that controls SpaceX flight and ground systems. Your work will directly impact both the robotic vehicles operating in space and the ground systems orchestrating the entire Starlink constellation.

The role involves close collaboration with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to understand mission requirements and implement highly reliable software solutions. You'll own the complete software lifecycle from initial development through testing and operational deployment during continuous missions.

What makes this role exciting is the direct impact on SpaceX's ambitious mission to enable human life on Mars. You'll be working on cutting-edge space technology, developing fault-tolerant systems that must operate reliably in the harsh environment of space. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding, as your code will literally be running in orbit, controlling satellites that are revolutionizing global internet connectivity.

The ideal candidate will bring strong software engineering fundamentals and a passion for space exploration. While aerospace experience is not required, you should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where requirements evolve quickly. You'll need excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills to work effectively across teams.

This role offers the unique opportunity to:

  • Work on space-flight software that directly enables SpaceX's mission
  • Develop both spacecraft control systems and ground infrastructure
  • Build and test mission-critical software systems
  • Be part of the team making global satellite internet a reality
  • Contribute to humanity's journey to becoming a multi-planetary species

The position is based in Redmond, WA and offers competitive compensation including both base salary and equity components, along with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, 401k, and more.

Last updated 4 months ago

Responsibilities For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness
  • Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them
  • Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations
  • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement

Requirements For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

Python
Linux
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience in software development; OR 7+ years of experience in software development
  • Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages
  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems
  • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
  • Familiarity with Linux programming
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from U.S. Department of State

Benefits For Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401k
Equity
Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company stock and stock options
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks paid vacation
  • 10+ paid holidays per year
  • 5 days sick leave for exempt employees
  • Company shuttle service from Seattle locations
  • Short & long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance