OS/Platform Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$125,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted
today

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Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $166k
This role $135k
$116k most similar roles pay here $206k

This role pays less than 63% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$197,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $135k versus about $166k for comparable roles.

Based on 238 similar postings.

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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.

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At a glance

TL;DR · OS/Platform Software Engineer (Starlink)

As an OS/Platform Software Engineer on SpaceX's Starlink team, you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining software for next-generation space-grade silicon, including custom system-on-chip designs and peripherals. Your daily tasks will involve updating open-source software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot, ensuring secure boot processes, and managing spacecraft Ethernet networks. You’ll also develop tools to facilitate rapid feature testing and deployment of spacecraft software updates. This role requires expertise in C, C++, Python, or Rust, along with knowledge of ARM embedded systems and the Linux networking stack. The position demands a strong understanding of computer architecture and secure boot flows, making it ideal for someone passionate about space technology and security-critical applications at scale.

What you'll do

  • Develop and maintain software from early boot loaders to business logic for SpaceX spacecraft.
  • Support secureboot and runtime security of Linux-based satellite components.
  • Develop and test the spacecraft software update process.
  • Interface with hardware engineers to bring new satellite components from prototype to on-orbit operations.
  • Maintain in-house branches of open-source software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a related field; or 2+ years of professional software development experience.
  • Development experience with C, C++, Python, and/or Rust.
  • Experience maintaining branches of open-source software like Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot.
  • Knowledge of networking and the Linux networking stack.
  • Good understanding of computer architecture and secure boot flows.

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