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 of enabling human life on Mars.

LEAD 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 1M+ 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.

The Starlink Satellite Hardware Test team develops automated testing solutions for the most cutting-edge satellite optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for a results driven Lead Software Engineer to coordinate complex automated software solutions and push spacecraft testing to success. As a lead software engineer on the Hardware Test team, you will cultivate your direct reports to develop software that quickly and thoroughly validates that each piece of hardware on our satellites will survive and withstand launch and function in orbit. This lead engineer will focus on guiding their team to reach maximum operational equipment effectiveness for their responsible products, developing software, dashboards, analysis or process improvements necessary to achieve the team goal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
• Manage projects and delegate responsibilities effectively to complete work on time
• Determine team goals to effectively reduce software maintenance burden
• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
• Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
• Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
• Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
• Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, physics or other STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering; or 7+ years of professional experience in software engineering in lieu of a degree
• 5+ years of development experience in an object-oriented language
• 2+ years of experience developing in Python
• 2+ years of experience with Linux operating systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience leading a team of software engineers with diverse skill sets and backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Working knowledge of control theory
• Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
• Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work weekends and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Lead: $160,000.00 – $220,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

Tagged as: engineering, software development, manager