New

Software Engineer, Power Systems Controls (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, POWER SYSTEMS CONTROLS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 6M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, antennas that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for the world’s best engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Software Engineer on the Starlink Power Systems Control team, you are responsible for maximizing the network value of each satellite while ensuring satellites fly safely. You will develop first principles models of satellite thermal and power behavior, optimize algorithms to provide excellence user experience subject to physical constraints, contribute to simulation software and data analysis, and be part of the team designing next generation satellite hardware and software solutions. This is a high impact role where you will coordinate with experts from other engineering disciplines to determine how all Starlink satellites optimally work together.

SpaceX is looking for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments and care about software best practices. Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software that plans how satellites should spend energy to form a low-latency, high-bandwidth global network
  • Build models that accurately predict behavior of physical systems and user experience
  • Participate in code reviews and lead software architecture and design
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts
  • Maintain simulation and analysis tooling to prevent regressions and ensure rapid development iteration

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development 
  • Development experience in C/C++ 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team. Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team. 

  • Strong proficiency in C++, python
  • Strong software design and development skills in production software environments
  • Thorough knowledge of physics and math
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
  • Creative and efficient approach to problem solving
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year    
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year    
    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

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