Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

About Starshield at SpaceX SpaceX is committed to developing technologies that make human life multiplanetary. Starshield builds on Starlink’s technology and launch experience to support national security missions, with a focus on government applications. While Starlink serves commercial and consumer users, Starshield addresses needs such as earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads for U.S. government partners. Role Overview: Antenna Engineer The Antenna Engineer for Starshield will work on advanced development programs that support U.S. National Security. This role centers on designing and validating antennas for government-focused space applications. The team values engineers who approach challenges with a rapid iteration mindset, moving quickly from concept to operational systems. Key Focus Areas Small antenna design Phased array systems Reflector antenna systems Antenna testing and design validation Work Environment This position is based in Hawthorne, CA. The Starshield team operates collaboratively and values engineers who are comfortable solving new problems and iterating quickly to achieve operational results.

At SpaceX, our vision is to enable humanity’s exploration of the cosmos, making a future where we venture into the stars a thrilling reality. We are at the forefront of developing the technologies necessary for human life on Mars.MISSION INTEGRATION ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield utilizes our advanced Starlink technology and launch capabilities to support vital national security initiatives. While Starlink serves commercial and consumer markets, Starshield is tailored for government applications, with a focus on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.As a key member of the Mission Management team, you will act as the primary liaison for customers from the initial stages of capability studies through successful launch and on-orbit activation. You will also assist in developing new business proposals, guiding them from initial requirements negotiation to final handoff and validation.Your role will include leading and integrating system trades across various launch vehicles, spacecraft, and sensors, while analyzing diverse solutions to meet mission objectives. You will play a crucial role in crafting operational concepts and interfaces at multiple levels, including mission, segment, system, and sub-system. Expect to employ your creativity and engineering expertise to devise and test innovative approaches to achieve technical and programmatic goals.The ideal candidate possesses a solid technical background in space vehicle design, integration, and verification throughout the program lifecycle. We seek engineers who thrive on tackling complex challenges, excel in a dynamic environment, and are committed to advancing the space industry.

At SpaceX, we believe that a future where humanity explores the stars is far more exhilarating than one where we remain earthbound. Our mission is to develop innovative technologies to make this vision a reality, with the ultimate aim of establishing human life on Mars.Design Criteria Engineer (Starshield)Starshield harnesses SpaceX's advanced Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial markets, Starshield is tailored for governmental applications, focusing initially on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads. As a member of the Starshield Design Criteria Engineering team, your role will be pivotal in ensuring our satellites achieve mission success with unparalleled reliability. This team is composed of engineers from diverse backgrounds, who will gain an in-depth understanding of hardware ranging from vehicle systems to individual components. We are currently seeking talent for two critical roles:As a design-focused engineer, your technical expertise will guide the initial conception of significant design revisions, leading the path through design maturation, validation, safe launch, and initial operation in orbit. This crucial phase rewards creativity and innovation while necessitating foresight to mitigate risks.As a change-focused engineer, you will spearhead efforts to identify and implement enhancements in the design and processing of satellites, maintaining our industry-leading design iteration and manufacturing pace. The satisfaction comes from witnessing these systems working together, bringing innovative concepts to life in space.We are in search of passionate engineers with solid technical fundamentals who thrive in fast-paced development environments, dedicated to enhancing the way we develop satellites.

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

SpaceX’s Starshield program extends Starlink’s core technology and launch capabilities to support national security. While Starlink serves consumer and commercial sectors, Starshield is dedicated to government missions, including earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads. Role overview The Senior Electrical Design Engineer for Starshield leads electrical design, hardware development, testing, and lifecycle management. This position plays a key role in advancing Starshield’s government-focused projects and is integral to the team’s ongoing work. What you will do Lead electrical design and hardware development for Starshield systems Oversee testing processes and manage hardware through its lifecycle Troubleshoot systems, including real-time problem solving for in-orbit hardware Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure system-level performance and reliability Create solutions for complex engineering challenges that have not been addressed before What makes this role unique This position involves working on a rapidly evolving program where technical challenges change daily. The team values creative problem-solving, collaboration across disciplines, and a drive to push technical boundaries in support of SpaceX’s broader mission. Location Hawthorne, CA

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of a future where humanity explores the stars. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that will make this dream a reality, with the ultimate aim of establishing human life on Mars.Senior Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starshield)Starshield harnesses SpaceX’s innovative Starlink technology and launch capabilities to enhance national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial sectors, Starshield is tailored specifically for governmental applications, focusing on areas such as earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads.As a Senior Hardware Reliability Engineer for Starshield, your expertise will be vital in ensuring the reliability and performance of our satellites. You will engage in identifying, analyzing, and resolving hardware failures, thereby enhancing the durability and lifespan of our PCBAs. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain, to elevate the overall reliability of Starshield hardware. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge R&D technology and tackle some of the most complex electrical engineering challenges in the industry.

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 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.

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.

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, 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.

Starshield, a SpaceX initiative, adapts Starlink’s technology and launch capabilities for government-focused missions. While Starlink serves commercial and consumer needs, Starshield supports national security, concentrating on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Role overview The Forward Deployed Engineer, Mission Systems, works on technical challenges from early requirements through prototyping, integrated tests, and operational deployments. This position sits within the Mission Systems team and contributes to the full mission lifecycle. What you will do Collaborate with engineers and mission managers across Starshield and related programs to keep projects aligned Work closely with teams in software, flight reliability, and payload integration to support safe, successful missions Develop system specifications and interface control documents tailored to customer needs and SpaceX’s capabilities Focus on mission-specific satellite systems, including command and control, operational planning, data processing, and secure implementation Who thrives here This role suits someone who is proactive, values meaningful contributions to mission outcomes, and enjoys solving complex problems from concept through deployment. Strong technical skills and comfort with cross-functional teamwork are important for success. Location Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX is driven by a vision of expanding human presence beyond Earth. Through advanced technologies, the company supports exploration and aims to make life possible on Mars. Starshield, built on the foundation of Starlink’s communications and launch capabilities, focuses on national security by serving government needs in earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Role overview The Mission Integration Engineer, Network and Infrastructure (Starshield), joins the Mission Management team in Hawthorne, CA. This engineer works through the full technical lifecycle: validating requirements, developing prototypes, conducting integrated testing, and deploying solutions. The position centers on satellite program performance, with a particular emphasis on ground systems and computing infrastructure that deliver insights for government missions. What you will do Collaborate with customers to clarify and refine mission requirements, ensuring full use of SpaceX’s capabilities. Advise on design choices for ground systems, networking, and computing infrastructure supporting Starshield initiatives. Plan and implement both traditional and dedicated computing infrastructure, as well as carrier-grade networking solutions. Support secure deployment and ongoing operation of ground and network systems. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure missions run smoothly. Contribute across multiple technical areas, from early requirements to operational rollout. Requirements SpaceX is looking for a self-driven engineer who is comfortable working on complex challenges with national security and space exploration impact. The ideal candidate brings a broad technical background, collaborates well with others, and is committed to seeing projects through every stage from concept to deployment.

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 that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is far more exciting than one where we remain on Earth. We are dedicated to developing the technologies necessary to make this vision a reality, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.SENIOR SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER, APPLIED COMPUTING (STARSHIELD)Starshield utilizes SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capabilities to enhance national security initiatives. While Starlink serves consumer and commercial markets, Starshield is tailored for government applications, focusing initially on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team is committed to creating highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems that guarantee space access, and developing next-generation communication and sensing software.As a Senior Security Software Engineer, you will employ artificial intelligence to automate security protocols and ensure the safe integration of AI into both new and existing systems. If you are passionate about AI, security, and the intersection of the two, this role is perfect for you.We prefer candidates who possess significant expertise in:Software engineeringAgent engineering and securityLarge language model (LLM) attack surfacesNetwork and operating system securityIncident response and adversary detectionSuccess in this role requires flexibility, clear communication, and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with other engineering teams. If you are dedicated to crafting high-quality products, enjoy the challenge of outsmarting adversaries, and are eager to make an impact on an interplanetary scale, you will thrive here.

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of a future where humanity explores the cosmos. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that will enable human life on Mars and beyond.SENIOR ASIC DESIGN VERIFICATION ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)The Starshield initiative harnesses SpaceX’s advanced Starlink technology to bolster national security operations. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial markets, Starshield is tailored for government applications, focusing initially on earth observation, communication systems, and hosted payloads. As an ASIC Design Verification Engineer on the Starshield team, you will engage in cutting-edge development projects that enhance U.S. National Security. In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for creating next-generation FPGAs and ASICs to be utilized in both space and terrestrial infrastructures globally. You will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that encourages innovative problem-solving and rapid iteration, enabling swift transitions from design to operational capability.

At SpaceX, we believe that the future of humanity lies in exploring the stars. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that will enable human life on Mars and beyond.MECHANICAL SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Join the Starshield program, which utilizes SpaceX’s advanced Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink serves consumer and commercial markets, Starshield focuses on government applications, particularly in areas like earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. We seek dynamic and innovative engineers who can guide supplier development from initial ideation through to full-scale production.This pivotal and high-visibility role requires collaboration across various functions to facilitate the development and production of Satellites and Gateways. You will work hand-in-hand with internal engineering and manufacturing teams, as well as directly with suppliers, to implement effective and innovative supply chain strategies that meet production targets. With in-house integration, our supplier development engineers witness their assemblies come to life daily.

SpaceX was founded on the vision that humanity's exploration of the stars is an exhilarating future. Today, SpaceX is at the forefront of developing technologies that make this vision a reality, with the ultimate aim of enabling human life on Mars.MISSION INTEGRATION ENGINEER, MISSION SYSTEMS (STARSHIELD)Starshield harnesses SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink caters to consumer and commercial markets, Starshield focuses on government applications, particularly in areas such as earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.As a vital member of our Mission Management team, you will be instrumental in addressing complex technical challenges from initial requirement verification through rapid prototyping, integrated testing, and operational deployment.You will collaborate with a team of Mission Integration Engineers and Mission Managers, ensuring cohesion across your work and related initiatives. Close cooperation with various disciplines within SpaceX, including software, flight reliability, and payload integration, will be essential for achieving safe and successful mission outcomes.Your contributions will enhance the performance and execution of satellite programs, specifically focusing on the mission-specific systems that guide, manage, and provide insights into these initiatives. Drawing from customer requirements and the capabilities of SpaceX systems, you will develop system specifications and interface control documentation. Your work will span multiple technical fields, including satellite command and control, operational planning, data processing, and the secure implementation of these disciplines. Our ideal candidate is a proactive individual eager to engage in impactful work.

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the cosmos, making our existence beyond Earth not just a dream, but a reality. We are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies aimed at facilitating human life on Mars.Lead Principal ASIC Design Verification Engineer - StarshieldStarshield utilizes SpaceX's advanced Starlink technology and launch capabilities to bolster national security initiatives. While Starlink targets consumer and commercial markets, Starshield is specifically crafted for governmental applications, focusing primarily on earth observation, secure communications, and hosted payload services. As a Lead Principal ASIC Design Verification Engineer within the Starshield team, you will engage in pioneering development programs that support U.S. National Security. Your role will involve designing state-of-the-art next-generation FPGAs and ASICs for deployment in both space and terrestrial infrastructures worldwide. You will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, tackling complex challenges and employing the SpaceX ethos of rapid iteration to transition from design and demonstration to operational capability swiftly.

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of humanity exploring the stars. Our mission is to create groundbreaking technologies that enable this dream, ultimately paving the way for human life on Mars.Test Specialist (Starshield)As part of the Starshield project, which utilizes SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capabilities for national security purposes, we are seeking a Test Specialist. This role focuses on the initial setup and ongoing production of Starshield satellites, tailored for government applications including earth observation and secure communications.The Test Specialist will design and implement tooling and processes necessary for building Starshield vehicles at an accelerated pace. Your contributions will include supporting daily production activities, troubleshooting issues, enhancing basic test software (primarily in Python), and collaborating with engineers on subsystem testing and production technician support. Additionally, you will assist with the setup and execution of vehicle-level qualification tests, such as thermal vacuum and electromagnetic interference tests.