Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted: 129 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $172k

This role $135k

$115k most similar roles pay here $220k

This role pays less than 88% of similar roles. Most pay $150,874–$192,625 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $135k versus about $172k 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.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform

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Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform (Starshield) joins the Starshield Software team to develop software that controls satellites, operates sensors, and creates secure end-to-end communications links on embedded hardware systems. This role involves managing the full lifecycle of software, including developing boot loaders, mission-critical business logic, and device drivers for in-house and third-party components. The engineer will maintain open-source branches like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot while supporting secureboot, spacecraft Ethernet networks, and update processes. Key technical requirements include proficiency in C, C++, Python, or Rust, along with experience in the Linux kernel, networking protocols such as TCP and UDP, ARM embedded systems, and modern secure boot flows. The work focuses on solving critical problems for national security by ensuring reliable information delivery through advanced hardware and software innovation for satellite components.

What does a Embedded Software Engineer earn?

Median $151500 from 65 postings across 16 companies.

See salary data

Skills

C C++ Python Rust Linux Buildroot u-boot Secure Boot Ethernet TCP UDP ARM Embedded Systems Device Drivers Computer Architecture

What you'll do

Maintain and update in-house branches of open-source software including Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot.
Implement secureboot and runtime security for all Linux-based satellite components.
Manage the spacecraft Ethernet network and maintain connectivity.
Develop, deploy, and test the spacecraft software update process.
Support the full lifecycle of in-house System on Chip (SoC) and peripheral hardware.
Develop and support device drivers for both third-party and internal components.
Build infrastructure and tools to enable rapid development and testing of OS and platform features.
Collaborate with hardware teams to transition new satellite components from prototype to on-orbit operations.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a scientific discipline.
2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
Experience developing in C, C++, Python, or Rust.
Experience developing in the Linux kernel and with ARM embedded systems.
Experience with networking protocols such as TCP and UDP.
Experience with computer architecture and modern secure boot flows.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for export control authorizations.
Security Clearance as a condition of employment.

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