This role pays less than
54%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,500–$194,800
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$145k
versus about
$166k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform (Starlink) joins the Starlink program to develop software for Linux-based spacecraft and ground-based components. This role involves managing the full software lifecycle, including developing boot loaders, business logic, and device drivers for in-house System on Chip designs and peripherals. Key responsibilities include maintaining internal branches of open-source software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot, while ensuring secureboot and runtime security for satellite components. The engineer will also manage spacecraft Ethernet networks, develop update processes, and build infrastructure for rapid testing. Candidates should possess proficiency in C, C++, Python, or Rust, with experience in ARM embedded systems, the Linux networking stack, and computer architecture. This role addresses critical challenges in space-grade hardware integration, ensuring deterministic, secure, and performant platform operations for a global satellite broadband internet system.
What does a Embedded Software Engineer earn?
Median $151500 from 65 postings across 16 companies.
Maintain and update in-house branches of open-source software including Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot.
Develop and support device drivers for both third-party and in-house components.
Implement secure boot and runtime security measures for all Linux-based satellite components.
Manage the spacecraft Ethernet network and overall connectivity infrastructure.
Develop, deploy, and test the software update processes for spacecraft systems.
Support the full lifecycle of in-house System on Chip (SoC) and peripheral hardware.
Build and maintain OS/Platform specific testing infrastructure to support rapid development.
Collaborate with hardware teams to transition components from prototype stages to on-orbit operations.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience (including internships).
Development experience in C, C++, Python, and/or Rust.
Experience with Linux Kernel Up streamed patches (preferred).
Knowledge of networking and the Linux networking stack (preferred).
Good knowledge of computer architecture and modern secure boot flows (preferred).
Experience with ARM embedded systems (preferred).
Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and continuous monitoring (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
C
C++
Python
Rust
Linux
Buildroot
u-boot
Secure Boot
Ethernet
ARM
Device Drivers
Unit Testing
Performance Optimization
Embedded Systems
Computer Architecture