SpaceX

Wireless Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX$135K — $185K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of experience programming in C or C++.
  • Experience working with wireless software or network protocols.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, test, and maintain wireless software for the Starlink communications network.
  • Participate in architecting current and future Starlink hardware and algorithms.
  • Engage in hardware bring-up, debugging, and verification before launch.
  • Collaborate with teams for cross-layer integration of the system.
  • Develop prototypes to validate key design concepts and technical limits.
  • Work with engineers to organize product development.

Benefits

  • Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Paid parental leave and generous vacation policy.
  • Opportunities for long-term incentives and stock options.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
Full Job Description
WIRELESS SOFTWARE ENGINEER (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 millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers 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 best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Wireless Software Engineer on these programs, you will be solving a wide range of novel engineering challenges:
  • Firmware, embedded, and signal processing software running on custom hardware that flies the world's largest fleet of spacecraft.
  • Cutting-edge networking algorithms capable of connecting thousands of satellites to millions of users in real time.
  • Infrastructure and tools enabling a highly reliable, software-defined global network.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, implement, test, and maintain physical and MAC layer software of the wireless software stack for the Starlink communications network.
  • Participate in architecting current and next-gen Starlink hardware and signal processing algorithms.
  • Participate in hardware bring-up, debugging, verification and launch.
  • Work with other teams for cross-layer integration of the end-to-end system.
  • Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
  • Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software engineering experience, programming with C or C++ in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience working with wireless software or network protocols.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong knowledge of wireless communications, signal processing and/or network protocols.
  • Knowledge of RF systems and fundamentals: noise figure, link budget, non-linearity.
  • Experience writing software for RF/mixed-signal integrated circuits and/or systems, such as phase-locked loops, mixers, data-converters, RF attenuators.
  • Familiar with design and implementation of Digital Signal Processing algorithms and techniques: FFT, time and frequency domain equalizer, channel estimation, pilot tracking, digital pre-distortion, doppler compensation.
  • Experience with lab equipment such as RF spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope.
  • Experience in any of physical and/or MAC layers in broadband access technologies such as: Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G or satellite broadband.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
Learn more about SpaceX
Size
8,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2002

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