Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted: today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $169k

This role $135k

$116k most similar roles pay here $213k

This role pays less than 73% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$203,225 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $135k versus about $169k 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 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform (Starshield)

Apply Now Log in to save

As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Starshield program at SpaceX, you will join a dynamic team focused on developing and maintaining software for spacecraft and ground components. Your daily tasks will include updating open-source software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot, ensuring secure boot processes, and managing Ethernet networks on satellites. You’ll also develop and test software update procedures, work closely with hardware engineers to bring new silicon designs from prototype to operational use, and create tools for rapid development and testing of embedded systems. Key skills include proficiency in C, C++, Python, or Rust, experience with ARM-based embedded systems, networking protocols, secure boot flows, and continuous integration practices. This role demands expertise in deterministic, high-performance platforms and a commitment to delivering reliable technology solutions for national security applications.

Skills

C C++ Python Rust Linux Buildroot u-boot ARM TCP UDP Secure Boot Networking Protocols Device Drivers Continuous Integration Docker

What you'll do

Develop and maintain in-house branches of OSS software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot.
Support secure boot processes and runtime security for all Linux-based satellite components.
Maintain spacecraft Ethernet network and ensure connectivity across systems.
Deploy and test spacecraft software update processes to ensure reliability.
Interface with hardware engineers to bring new satellite components from prototype to on-orbit operations.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience
Experience developing with C, C++, Python, or Rust
Proficiency with networking protocols (TCP, UDP)
Knowledge of ARM embedded systems and secure boot flows
Skills in testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring
Development and support for device drivers on third-party and in-house components

Save