Principal Wi-Fi Software Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live today Low trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Salary: $210,000–$300,000 / yr
Posted: 154 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live today
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $170k

This role $255k

$109k $320k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays more than 96% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$202,500 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $255k versus about $170k 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 851 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 590 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Wi-Fi Software Engineer

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The Principal Wi-Fi Software Engineer (Starlink) joins the team responsible for the global consumer product line of the world’s largest satellite constellation. This role involves driving the Wi-Fi software roadmap, debugging and optimizing kernel-level system performance, and improving Wi-Fi mesh performance. The engineer will collaborate with RF and EE teams to enhance testing procedures and invent tools for continuous integration, software deployment, and data analysis. Key technical requirements include expertise in C, C++, and the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard, alongside networking protocols like UDP and TCP/IP. Candidates should possess experience with embedded software for networking equipment, Linux bridge, and network stack internals. The role addresses the technical challenge of providing reliable broadband internet to diverse global users through advanced satellite technology.

Skills

C C++ Python Golang IEEE 802.11 TCP/IP UDP Embedded Systems Networking Protocols DHCP IPv4 IPv6 Linux Bridge HostAP Wi-Fi Mesh Network Stack Internals

What you'll do

Drive the Wi-Fi software roadmap for global consumer products.
Debug and optimize kernel-level system performance.
Improve Wi-Fi mesh performance for Starlink users.
Develop new tools for software deployment, test execution, and data analysis.
Improve software and hardware testing procedures in coordination with RF and EE engineers.
Mentor software engineers and contribute to a positive work culture.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 10+ years of professional software development experience.
12+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
8+ years of development experience in C or C++.
Experience with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and networking protocols like UDP and TCP/IP.
Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment.
Experience with networking kernel modules and drivers (preferred).
Knowledge of DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, Linux bridge, and network stack internals (preferred).
U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee eligible for Department of State authorization.