Sr. Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is developing Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, comprising thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that integrates them. As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will solve challenges to improve utilization of deployed hardware, develop real‑time software for beam formation, lead architecture and code reviews, build prototypes, and create tools for development, deployment, data analysis, visualization, and testing across virtualized hardware, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and on‑orbit environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable, real‑time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) should be formed to provide the best possible user experience for the low‑latency, high‑bandwidth satellite‑based global network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations, and on‑orbit testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or 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++.
• Knowledgeable in real‑time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real‑time, resource‑constrained, high‑performance computing.
• Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real‑world applications/projects.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range: Level 3: $175,000 - $240,000. Base salary determined case‑by‑case based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
• Eligible for long‑term incentives (company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards), potential discretionary bonuses, and ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; various discounts and perks.
• Accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave accrued pursuant to Company policy, satisfying or exceeding legal requirements.

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 (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.