This role pays less than
52%
of similar roles. Most pay
$138,650–$197,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$148k
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
720 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 511 roles with salary data.
As a Software Engineer, Beam Planning (Starlink), you will join the Starlink program to develop real-time software that determines which beams should be formed for a low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network. You will manage the full software lifecycle, including development, testing, and support, while leading architecture designs and code reviews. Your daily work involves building prototypes, managing experiments to prove design concepts, and creating tools for data analysis, visualization, and test execution across virtualized hardware and on-orbit environments. The role requires proficiency in assembly, C, or C++, with preferred expertise in real-time rendering, network topology, numerical optimization, graph theoretic approaches, and convex optimization. You will solve complex technical challenges to optimize the utility of a large laser mesh network in orbit to provide reliable broadband internet access for underserved communities.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 869 postings across 70 companies.
Develop real-time software to determine optimal beam configurations for low-latency satellite networks.
Lead architecture design and conduct comprehensive code reviews.
Create prototypes and manage experiments to validate key design concepts.
Build tools for data analysis, visualization, and test execution across multiple environments.
Manage the full software lifecycle including development, testing, and ongoing support.
Develop software for virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.
Close the feedback loop between initial software design and real-world performance metrics.
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 assembly, C, or C++.
Knowledge of real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other high-performance computing (preferred).
Knowledge of network topology, numerical optimization, graph theory, or convex optimization (preferred).
Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software for real-world applications (preferred).
Experience with distributed systems and internet services (preferred).
Creative problem solving, analytical skills, and strong communication skills (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
C
C++
Assembly
Distributed Systems
Network Topology
Numerical Optimization
Convex Optimization
Physics Simulation
Game Engine Development
Hardware-in-the-loop
High-Performance Computing
C
C++
Assembly
High Performance Computing
Network Topology
Numerical Optimization
Convex Optimization
Distributed Systems
Physics Simulation
Game Engine Development
C
C++
Assembly
High-Performance Computing
Distributed Systems
Network Topology
Numerical Optimization
Convex Optimization
Physics Simulation
Game Engine Development