This role pays less than
64%
of similar roles. Most pay
$144,375–$192,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$145k
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
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
As an OS/Platform Software Engineer (Starlink), you will join the Starlink team to develop software for Linux-based spacecraft and ground-based components. You will manage the full lifecycle of software, including developing boot loaders, business logic, and device drivers for both third-party and in-house hardware. Key responsibilities involve maintaining internal branches of open-source software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot, while ensuring secureboot and runtime security for satellite components. You will also manage spacecraft Ethernet networks, develop update processes, and support platform-specific test infrastructure. The role requires proficiency in C, C++, Python, and Rust, with a focus on ARM embedded systems and the Linux networking stack. This position addresses critical challenges in bringing space-grade silicon from prototype stages to on-orbit operations within a complex satellite constellation environment.
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 for all Linux-based satellite components.
Manage the spacecraft Ethernet network and overall connectivity.
Develop, deploy, and test the software update process for spacecraft.
Support the full lifecycle of in-house System on Chip (SoC) and peripheral hardware.
Build and maintain OS/platform specific test infrastructure to support rapid development.
Collaborate with hardware teams to transition components from prototype stage 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.
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