Sr. Software Engineer, Beam Planning (Starlink)

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and is leveraging its expertise to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions globally. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that integrates it. Starlink satellites feature laser terminals to create a large laser mesh network in orbit, with significant potential for global impact.

About the role

As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will tackle challenges to maximize the utility of our deployed hardware. Your work will enhance the satellite internet experience, particularly for under-served communities with affordable, life-changing broadband access. Software engineers at SpaceX own the complete lifecycle of their software, from development and testing to real-world performance feedback.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines optimal beam formation (user, laser, gateway, etc.) to deliver the best user experience for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to validate key design concepts.
• Build tools for software development, deployment, data analysis, visualization, and testing across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware, hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional software development experience; OR 7+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree.
• Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or eligible for required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
• Experience with network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software used in real-world applications.
• Creative problem-solving skills, strong analytical abilities, and solid engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with evolving needs and requirements.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

Pay

Level 3 pay range: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00. Your actual level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is one part of your total rewards package, which may also include long-term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, stock purchase discounts via an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick time (for employees in Washington State, in compliance with state and federal law).
• Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office (Monday to Friday).
• Various discounts and perks.