Software Engineer, Power Optimization (Starlink)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER POWER OPTIMIZATION (STARLINK)

Starlink connects the entire planet (and beyond) via the worlds largest satellite constellation. Our network brings great internet to over 12 million households businesses and communities in 160 countries making it possible for people to live and work in more places than ever before!

As a Software Engineer on the Power Optimization team youll be responsible for high-performance safety-critical software that makes billions of operational decisions per day for 10k Starlink satellites. You will develop algorithms to keep satellites flying safely and maximize their network value. You will build first-principles physics models of satellite power and thermal behavior and optimize payload utilization subject to energy and thermal constraints. Your code will have meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Write highly reliable ground and vehicle software to control thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.
• Develop constellation optimization algorithms working with engineers across many disciplines to understand satellite operational requirements and physical constraints.
• Design future satellite constellations: define requirements and build simulations for rapid iteration on hardware and software trades.
• Own the complete lifecycle of your code including development testing verification rollout and monitoring.
• Participate in code reviews for others and maintain a high standard for code quality.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in computer science engineering math or STEM discipline OR 3 years of experience in software development.
• Proficiency in C/C or another systems programming language (e.g. Rust).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with production software environments where reliability and correctness guarantees are essential.
• Deep understanding of software performance and ability to write fast performance-oriented code. Experience with profilers vectorization/SIMD runtime and memory optimization is a plus.
• Understanding of version control testing continuous integration builds deployment and monitoring.
• Strong math and physics knowledge.
• First-principles thinking and willingness to push systems to their objective physical limit.
• Strong sense of ownership and attention to detail.
• Excellent writing speaking and listening skills.
• Ability to communicate with experts from other engineering disciplines and know your audience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Passion for working with satellites and advancing the commercial space industry.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $125000.00 - $165000.00
Level 2: $145000.00 - $200000.00

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 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 and long-term disability insurance life insurance paid parental leave and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. 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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.