This role pays less than
51%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,500–$207,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$148k
versus about
$172k
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
789 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 555 roles with salary data.
Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink) joins the Starlink program as a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer to improve hardware utilization for a low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network. The role involves managing the full software lifecycle, including development, testing, and support. Key responsibilities include developing reliable, real-time software to determine beam formation, leading architecture and design reviews, and creating tools for data analysis, visualization, and test execution across virtualized and hardware-in-the-loop environments. Candidates should possess experience in assembly, C, or C++. Preferred skills include knowledge of real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, network topology, numerical optimization, graph theoretic approaches, and convex optimization. The role addresses the technical challenge of optimizing a large laser mesh network in orbit to provide high-quality internet access to underserved communities through advanced satellite technology.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 958 postings across 73 companies.
Develop real-time software to determine optimal beam formations for low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite networks.
Lead and participate in architecture design, code reviews, and technical system planning.
Build prototypes and manage experiments to validate key engineering design concepts.
Create tools for data analysis, visualization, and test execution across multiple environments.
Manage the full software lifecycle including development, testing, and production support.
Execute tests on virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit systems.
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++.
Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other high-performance computing (preferred).
Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization, graph theoretic approaches, 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, engineering fundamentals, and excellent communication skills (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
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
Hardware-in-the-loop
Simulation
C++
C
Assembly
High Performance Computing
Distributed Systems
Network Topology
Numerical Optimization
Convex Optimization
Physics Simulation
Game Engine Development
Hardware-in-the-loop
Simulation
C
C++
Assembly
High-Performance Computing
Distributed Systems
Network Topology
Numerical Optimization
Convex Optimization
Physics Simulation
Game Engine Development
C++
C
Assembly
Distributed Systems
Network Topology
Numerical Optimization
Convex Optimization
Physics Simulation
Game Engine Development
Hardware-in-the-loop
LOW LATENCY COMPUTING
High-performance Computing