Software Engineer, Satellite Operations (Starshield)

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the stars. We are actively developing innovative technologies to make this vision a reality, with the ultimate aim of enabling human life on Mars.SOFTWARE ENGINEER, EMBEDDED SOFTWARE (STARSHIELD)The Starshield mission is dedicated to bolstering national security by delivering timely and reliable information. Our partners in the intelligence and defense sectors require cutting-edge technology that is developed and deployed quickly and iteratively. We are committed to providing significant new capabilities through continuous software innovation and new hardware development.The Starshield Software team is responsible for creating software that controls satellites, operates sensors, and establishes secure end-to-end communication links on embedded hardware systems. Our engineers are hands-on, developing embedded systems, testing new hardware, and collaborating directly with end users to understand their unique requirements.Software engineers are involved in all stages of the design process for new technologies. We maintain our software systems in production, whether part of our distributed ground network or the software operating on our satellites. We seek engineers who are eager to write their own code, test their systems, and have a significant influence on outcomes. Aerospace or satellite experience is not a requirement; we welcome fresh ideas from diverse software backgrounds. We look for problem solvers who are passionate about making an impact on our inspiring mission of enhancing national security. Our ideal candidates are versatile, motivated, and collaborative.RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop high-reliability software systems that control thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.Lead your software projects from inception to completion: identifying core needs, prototyping, developing, testing, and rolling out systems in orbit.Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and build the next generation of satellite capabilities, including cutting-edge sensors and inter-satellite lasers, as well as space-based cloud computing.Work directly with end customers to deliver high-quality products and data tailored to their needs.There are multiple positions available within the Starshield software team, each with distinct focus areas. Candidates will interview for specific roles based on hiring needs and qualifications.

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the cosmos, and we are dedicated to making that future a reality. Our mission is to develop advanced technologies that will enable human life on Mars and beyond.SOFTWARE ENGINEER, TRACKING (STARSHIELD)Join our Starshield team, which harnesses SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. Unlike Starlink, which caters to consumer and commercial markets, Starshield focuses on government applications, primarily in earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.As a software engineer within the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) organization of Starshield, you will leverage your expertise in distributed systems to create vital systems that ensure safety in low-earth orbit. Your work will involve developing payload management and orbital prediction tools for our expansive spacecraft constellations, alongside the analytical pipelines that validate their performance.Our software engineers oversee the entire software lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and ongoing support. We seek passionate engineers eager to tackle challenges and contribute to an inspiring mission. As our team grows, we are looking for adaptable, motivated, and collaborative individuals.

At SpaceX, we envision a future where humanity explores the cosmos. We are committed to developing the groundbreaking technologies that will enable human life on Mars and beyond.SOFTWARE ENGINEER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (STARSHIELD)The Starshield initiative aims to bolster national security by ensuring timely and reliable information delivery. Our partners in the intelligence and defense sectors require top-tier technology, developed rapidly and iteratively. We are dedicated to delivering significant new capabilities through innovative hardware development and ongoing software enhancements.Our Starshield Software team is at the forefront of creating software for advanced in-space sensing technologies, ensuring that data reaches users swiftly and securely. Engineers in our team engage hands-on with embedded systems, testing new hardware, and collaborating closely with end-users to understand their specific requirements.As a software engineer, you will be involved in all phases of the design process for new technologies. You will maintain our software systems in production, whether they are part of our distributed ground network or the software operating on our satellites. We are looking for engineers eager to write their own code, test their systems, and make significant contributions to impactful outcomes. While aerospace or satellite experience is not a prerequisite, we encourage engineers with innovative ideas from various software domains to apply. We value problem solvers who are motivated to contribute to our inspiring national security mission, and we seek versatile, collaborative engineers.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop highly reliable software systems that manage thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.Oversee the entire software lifecycle: from identifying core needs to prototyping, development, and testing, to on-orbit deployment and beyond.Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and build next-gen satellite capabilities, including cutting-edge sensors, inter-satellite lasers, and space-based cloud computing.Engage directly with end users to deliver high-quality products and data tailored to their needs.Multiple roles within the Starshield software team focus on various areas. Applicants will interview for specific roles based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific responsibilities may include:Writing high-quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and microcontrollers.

At SpaceX, we are driven by a vision of a future where humanity explores the cosmos. We are currently seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our Starshield team, which utilizes SpaceX's groundbreaking Starlink technology to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink serves consumers and businesses, Starshield focuses on government applications, especially in areas such as Earth observation and secure communications. As a member of our software team, you will develop reliable in-space mesh networks, design secure systems for space access, and create next-generation communication and sensing software. We value innovative thinkers from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about problem solving and making a significant impact in an inspiring mission.

At SpaceX, we believe in a thrilling future where humanity explores the cosmos. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that pave the way for human life on Mars.SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER - STARSHIELDStarshield harnesses SpaceX's innovative Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink serves consumer and commercial markets, Starshield is tailored for government applications, focusing on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.Join our Starshield software team as we create robust in-space mesh networks, develop secure systems ensuring access to space, design next-generation communication and sensing software, and more. We welcome engineers from diverse backgrounds who are eager to tackle complex challenges and contribute to our inspiring mission. As we grow our team, we seek versatile, driven, and collaborative engineers.Our engineers play a crucial role in the design and development of vehicle systems, working on tools that enhance efficiency and help build secure, reliable, and autonomous software systems. You will oversee the entire software lifecycle, from development and testing to operational support.

At SpaceX, we envision a future where humanity explores the cosmos, and we are dedicated to making that vision a reality. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies to facilitate human life on Mars and beyond.SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE C++ (STARSHIELD)Starshield harnesses the power of SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink serves the consumer and commercial sectors, Starshield is tailored for government applications, focusing on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.Join our innovative Starshield software team, where you'll contribute to the creation of resilient in-space mesh networks and secure systems that ensure dependable access to space. We welcome engineers from diverse backgrounds who are eager to bring fresh perspectives and tackle complex challenges. We seek motivated, adaptable, and collaborative individuals who are passionate about making a significant impact through their work.Our team is involved in all phases of vehicle system design and development. We create tools to enhance our efficiency and develop software systems that are secure, reliable, and capable of autonomous operation. As a software engineer, you will oversee the entire software lifecycle, including development, testing, and operational support.

At SpaceX, we envision a future where humanity thrives among the stars, and we are tirelessly working to turn that vision into reality. Our mission includes the development of groundbreaking technologies aimed at enabling human life on Mars.SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield uses SpaceX's innovative Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial markets, Starshield focuses on government needs, particularly in earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team is dedicated to creating robust in-space mesh networks and developing secure systems that ensure reliable access to space while advancing next-generation communication and sensing software.As a Security Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the security framework across our diverse product lines. We are eager to find candidates with a solid history of delivering dependable software and a comprehensive understanding of contemporary Internet security architectures, including essential cryptographic elements. You should possess a strategic mindset, excel in prioritization, and be adaptable to various levels of project complexity. Ideally, you’ll have expertise in one or more of the following areas:Software engineeringApplied cryptographyNetwork securityOperating system securitySecure/authenticated bootIncident response and adversary detectionVulnerability researchSuccess in this role requires flexibility, effective communication, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships with fellow engineering teams. If you are passionate about crafting high-quality products, enjoy the challenges of outsmarting adversaries, and wish to make a significant impact on a cosmic scale, we encourage you to apply.

Starshield is SpaceX’s initiative to adapt Starlink technology for government missions. The team focuses on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads to strengthen U.S. national security. Starshield leverages SpaceX’s experience in advanced satellite networks to deliver new capabilities in low Earth orbit. Role overview The RF Software Engineer will design and implement radio frequency (RF) solutions for Starshield’s satellite systems. This work expands communications and remote sensing capabilities that support national security. Projects often move rapidly from concept to operational deployment, providing direct involvement in both hardware and software realization. What you will do Work closely with RF, DSP, software, and hardware engineers to create new RF features for satellite communications and sensing systems Contribute to advanced development programs that address complex technical challenges for U.S. national security Design, implement, and test RF software for proliferated satellite networks in low Earth orbit Participate in a collaborative environment where rapid iteration and teamwork drive progress Location Hawthorne, CA

Founded on the vision of humanity exploring the stars, SpaceX is pioneering the technologies needed to make this dream a reality, ultimately aiming to enable human life on Mars.HARDWARE RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield harnesses SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to commercial and consumer markets, Starshield focuses on governmental applications, prioritizing earth observation, communication, and hosted payloads.As a Hardware Reliability Engineer, your role will involve investigating, analyzing, and monitoring the reliability of hardware within the Starshield satellite constellation. You will collaborate closely with design, production, and operations engineers to respond effectively to on-orbit data. By employing a combination of failure investigation techniques and data analysis, you will identify root causes of on-orbit hardware issues. Your responsibilities will also include developing comprehensive monitoring systems to maintain fleet health and providing data-driven insights throughout the design and production stages to enhance reliability proactively. You will engage with the entire spectrum of Starshield's satellite engineering process, from detailed physics behind component failures to understanding their implications for the entire constellation and guiding future design decisions.RESPONSIBILITIESAnalyze and monitor on-orbit hardware failures across the Starshield satellite constellation.Lead root cause investigations for significant on-orbit hardware anomalies.Collaborate with engineers from various disciplines (electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, test, operations, production) to mitigate sources of on-orbit failures.Drive continuous improvements in the constellation by creating and utilizing analysis tools for data collected during both on-orbit and ground testing.Enhance the feedback loop from space through effective communication and automation.

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the cosmos, a vision that drives us to innovate and push technological boundaries. Our mission is clear: to enable human life on Mars through groundbreaking advancements in aerospace technology.SOFTWARE ENGINEER - COMPONENTS TEST (STARSHIELD)Our Starshield program harnesses the power of SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial needs, Starshield focuses on governmental applications, emphasizing earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.As a part of the Starshield Test team, you will contribute to the development of rigorous testing and manufacturing processes for some of the most advanced spacecraft components globally. You will become a key software and hardware expert for flight control devices and mechanisms that underpin critical satellite capabilities—ranging from inertial control systems to advanced network hardware. Your role will involve designing software and constructing systems that rigorously test flight components to ensure they perform reliably under extreme conditions, as mission success is paramount.Testing serves as a vital quality assurance measure and the final safeguard before our products are cleared for flight. In this position, you will have a unique opportunity to conceptualize and develop testing software infrastructure that verifies component performance in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment. You will be responsible for building new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up, encompassing hardware, software, and their integration.We seek individuals who thrive on solving complex challenges, exhibit a strong sense of urgency, and work collaboratively to develop innovative testing solutions.

At SpaceX, we believe in a vibrant future where humanity explores the cosmos. Join our mission as a Principal RF Software Engineer for the Starshield initiative, where we leverage our cutting-edge Starlink technology to bolster national security. This role involves collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers to create innovative RF solutions for government applications, focusing on earth observation and communication in low Earth orbit. Engage in a fast-paced environment, tackling complex challenges and transforming designs into operational capabilities at an unprecedented speed.

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the cosmos, and we are dedicated to making that vision a reality. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge technologies that enable human life on Mars and beyond.FULL STACK SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)The Starshield program utilizes SpaceX’s innovative Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink serves commercial and consumer markets, Starshield focuses exclusively on government applications, emphasizing earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payload services.The talented software team at Starshield is committed to creating robust in-space mesh networks, developing secure systems for reliable access to space, and engineering next-generation communication and sensing software. We welcome diverse backgrounds and experiences; aerospace knowledge is not a prerequisite. We seek engineers passionate about problem-solving and eager to contribute to an inspiring mission. As our team grows, we are looking for adaptable, driven, and cooperative engineers to join us.Our engineers play a vital role throughout the vehicle systems' development phases. We create tools that enhance our efficiency, while also ensuring our software systems are secure, dependable, and autonomous. Each software engineer is responsible for the complete software lifecycle, including development, testing, and operational support.

SpaceX was established with the vision that a future where humanity explores the cosmos is inherently more thrilling than one where we remain confined to Earth. Currently, SpaceX is pioneering technologies to make this dream a reality, with the ultimate aim of facilitating human life on Mars.SENIOR SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield utilizes SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial sectors, Starshield focuses on government applications, primarily in earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team is dedicated to constructing highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems for guaranteed access to space, and developing next-generation communication and sensing software.As a Senior Security Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the security of software across our diverse product offerings. We seek individuals with a proven history of delivering dependable software and a comprehensive understanding of modern Internet security design, including the cryptographic elements involved. You envision the larger context, prioritize effectively, and are adept at navigating various levels of abstraction. Ideally, your expertise encompasses one or more of the following areas:Software engineeringApplied cryptographyNetwork securityOperating system securitySecure/authenticated bootIncident response and adversary detectionVulnerability researchSuccess in this role requires adaptability, clear communication, and the ability to foster productive relationships with other engineering teams. If you're passionate about developing high-quality products, relish the challenge of outsmarting adversaries, and aspire to make a significant impact on an interplanetary scale, you will thrive with us.

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the cosmos, and we are committed to developing the technologies that will make this a reality. Our ultimate aim is to enable human life on Mars.Software Engineer - Geospatial Data (Starshield)Starshield harnesses SpaceX's cutting-edge Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security operations. While Starlink is tailored for consumer and commercial applications, Starshield focuses on government needs, emphasizing earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.The Starshield data team is dedicated to constructing robust processing systems for earth observation data gathered by Starshield satellites. Our work is integral to enhancing constellation efficiency and the quality of derived information. We prioritize national security and welcome engineers from diverse backgrounds to contribute innovative solutions. We seek problem-solvers who are eager to make a meaningful impact on this inspiring mission. As our team grows, we are looking for adaptable, driven, and collaborative engineers.Our team plays a vital role in designing space information systems throughout all development phases. We create tools that enhance our efficiency and enable us to build secure, reliable, and autonomous software systems. Our machine learning engineers oversee the entire software lifecycle, from development and testing to operational support.

At SpaceX, we envision a future where humanity explores the stars, a vision that drives us to innovate and excel in aerospace technology. Our mission is to make human life multi-planetary, with Mars as our ultimate destination.SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SATELLITE SYSTEMS (STARSHIELD)Starshield harnesses SpaceX’s advanced Starlink technology and launch capabilities to enhance national security initiatives. While Starlink focuses on consumer and commercial applications, Starshield is tailored for government use, emphasizing earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payload capabilities.The Starshield software team is at the forefront of developing resilient in-space mesh networks, crafting secure systems to ensure reliable access to space, and innovating next-generation communication and sensing software. We welcome engineers from diverse backgrounds to contribute fresh perspectives. If you thrive on problem-solving and aspire to impact an inspiring mission, we encourage you to join our growing team of adaptable, driven, and collaborative engineers.As a software engineer on the Starshield Core team, you will tackle challenges across our entire network and take full ownership of the software responsible for controlling, monitoring, and expanding our satellite constellation. You’ll manage the complete lifecycle of your code and products, from conception through development to testing and deployment. Your work will involve creating highly reliable software that operates within our distributed ground system and on board our satellites.

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of a future where humanity explores the cosmos. As a Software Engineer in our Starshield team, you will leverage cutting-edge technology to develop innovative collision avoidance systems that ensure the safety of low-earth orbit. You'll play a crucial role in designing and implementing software solutions for payload management, orbital predictions, and collision avoidance tools, all while working closely with a team of talented engineers. Your contributions will be pivotal in supporting national security through our advanced Starshield platform, which is tailored for government use and focuses on earth observation and communications.

Founded on the vision of a future where humanity explores the cosmos, SpaceX is at the forefront of developing transformative technologies aimed at enabling human life on Mars. Join us in our mission to push the boundaries of space exploration.SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIREDThe Starshield project harnesses SpaceX’s groundbreaking Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink serves consumer and commercial markets, Starshield focuses on government applications, emphasizing earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.As part of the Starshield software development team, you will play a key role in creating robust in-space mesh networks and designing secure systems that ensure reliable access to space. We are looking for innovative engineers who are passionate about problem-solving and eager to contribute to an inspiring mission. Diverse backgrounds are welcome, as we value fresh perspectives in our approach.Our team supports the design of vehicle systems throughout all development stages. We develop tools that enhance our efficiency and enable the creation of secure, reliable, and autonomous software systems. Software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of their projects, including development, testing, and operational support.

At SpaceX, we believe that a future where humanity explores the stars is far more exhilarating than one where we remain grounded. We are at the forefront of developing transformative technologies to enable this vision, with the ultimate aim of establishing human life on Mars.SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER, APPLIED COMPUTING (STARSHIELD)Starshield utilizes SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink is tailored for consumer and commercial applications, Starshield focuses on government use, specifically in areas such as earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Our team is dedicated to creating highly reliable in-space mesh networks, developing secure systems to ensure access to space, and crafting next-generation communication and sensing software.As a Security Software Engineer, you will harness the power of AI to automate security initiatives and facilitate the seamless integration of AI into both new and existing systems. If you have a fervor for AI, security, and the challenge of merging these domains, this role is tailored for you.

At SpaceX, we believe in pushing the boundaries of human potential, exploring the cosmos, and making life multiplanetary. Our mission is to innovate and develop advanced technologies that will ultimately enable human life on Mars.SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER - HARDWARE TEST & AUTOMATION (STARSHIELD)Starshield leverages SpaceX’s cutting-edge Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security efforts. Unlike Starlink, which caters to consumer and commercial markets, Starshield is specifically tailored for government applications, with a primary focus on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.As a Senior Software Engineer on the Starshield Integration & Test team, you will play a pivotal role in developing integrated operations and automation infrastructures for our Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds and production environments, bringing Starshield satellites to life. Your contributions will be vital in creating tools that facilitate rapid development and precise testing of all Starshield hardware systems, consistently emphasizing design excellence, reliability, and innovation. You will become the go-to expert for flight control devices and mechanisms that power our satellites, including inertial control devices and advanced space lasers. While your primary focus will be on the testing infrastructure, a robust understanding of the hardware being tested and the overall functionality of our satellites is essential.Aerospace experience is not a prerequisite for success in this role; we seek inquisitive, collaborative engineers who thrive on learning and can navigate dynamic environments to deliver impactful technology at scale.