Software Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$150,000 / yr
Posted: today

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Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $166k

This role $138k

$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 $138k versus about $166k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 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 · Software Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starshield)

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As a Software Engineer in Starshield’s GNC organization, you will join a team dedicated to developing mission-critical systems for collision avoidance and payload management of large spacecraft constellations. Your daily tasks will include designing highly reliable software solutions that manage thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit, from initial prototyping through deployment and ongoing maintenance. You’ll need experience with Python or C++ and distributed systems, as well as familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, relational databases like PostgreSQL, and application performance optimization. This role requires a strong background in software development and an interest in space technology; previous satellite system experience is beneficial.

Skills

Python C++ Docker Kubernetes PostgreSQL CockroachDB distributed systems relational databases CI/CD

What you'll do

Develop highly reliable and available software systems for managing thousands of satellites.
Design and implement mission-critical collision avoidance and orbital prediction tools.
Prototype, develop, and test software from concept to rollout and beyond.
Improve the performance and reliability of distributed satellite management systems.
Analyze system effectiveness through data-driven pipelines and continuous monitoring.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a related field
At least 1 year of professional software development experience
Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar object-oriented programming language
Experience with distributed systems and containerization tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
Knowledge of relational databases such as PostgreSQL or CockroachDB
Strong skills in profiling and optimizing application performance
Background in satellite or spacecraft systems is beneficial

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