Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$125,000–$150,000 / yr
Posted
107 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $168k
This role $138k
$116k most similar roles pay here $206k

This role pays less than 69% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$197,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $138k versus about $168k 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 788 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 555 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna

Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna (Starlink) joins the Antenna Software team to own software for the bring-up, characterization, and operation of advanced phased array systems. The role involves developing flight-critical embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs, building automated measurement systems to characterize arrays radiating at 10-20GHz, and designing production RF test features to verify hardware in a factory setting. You will also analyze on-orbit performance data to debug issues and improve fleet performance. The position requires proficiency in embedded C, C++, or Rust, along with an understanding of RF fundamentals, communications theory, and experience with lab measurement equipment like spectrum analyzers and network analyzers. This role addresses the technical challenges of managing a large satellite constellation by ensuring reliable hardware operation and high-volume production for phased array antenna systems.

What does a Embedded Software Engineer earn?

Median $155000 from 93 postings across 19 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs.
  • Write flight-critical software to ensure antenna operation throughout the satellite lifecycle.
  • Implement new measurement techniques as part of the CI/CD process.
  • Analyze on-orbit performance data to debug issues and improve system performance.
  • Drive production RF test features to verify hardware during high-volume manufacturing.
  • Design and build automated measurement systems to characterize phased arrays at 10-20GHz.
  • Provide software engineering expertise and mission-critical support to the Payload Engineering organization.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
  • 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C, C++, or Rust.
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee (or eligible for such status) per ITAR regulations.
  • Experience and understanding of RF fundamentals and/or communications theory (preferred).
  • Familiarity with radio-related lab measurement equipment like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators (preferred).
  • Experience with phased array antenna systems (preferred).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (preferred).

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