SpaceX · 3 hours ago
Software Engineer, Satellite Operations (Starshield)
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$120K/yr - $145K/yrSpaceX is dedicated to developing technologies for human exploration of Mars and is actively working on the Starshield project to support national security efforts. The Software Engineer for Satellite Operations will be responsible for developing and maintaining software systems for the autonomous operations of Starshield's satellite constellation, collaborating across disciplines to ensure mission objectives are met.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Own the complete lifecycle of the software and systems you create, including development, testing, deployment, and operational support
Develop highly reliable and available software systems for the tasking and monitoring of satellites in low-earth orbit
Design and implement performant and safe satellite flight software
Build automated ground-based software systems that integrate smart data processing with satellite control
Act as a a cross-disciplinary expert, collaborating with other engineers to diagnose on-orbit faults and come up with suitable permanent resolutions ensuring we meet mission objectives
Lead on-orbit satellite operations through all phases of flight and perform on-call rotations, satellite commanding, or data review to keep our vehicles, payloads, and networks continuously operating
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, physics or another engineering discipline
Development experience in C, C++, Python, or other similar programming languages
Preferred
Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience developing and deploying HTTP servers to build scalable dynamic web operations, tooling, and real-time monitoring applications
Experience working with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
Knowledge of computer architecture, networks, and inter-process communications (RESTful APIs, gRPC, etc.)
Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring
Experience with debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including: structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration
Master's degree or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, computer science, or physics
Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
5 days of sick leave per year
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
Founded in 2002
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
Recent News
2026-01-20
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