This role pays less than
72%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,500–$205,625
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$138k
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
720 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 511 roles with salary data.
Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink) joins the Starlink program as a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer to optimize hardware utilization for a low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network. The role involves developing highly reliable, real-time software to determine beam formation for user, laser, and gateway connections while managing the full software lifecycle including development, testing, and support. Key responsibilities include leading architecture reviews, building prototypes to prove design concepts, 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++, with preferred expertise in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, network topology, numerical optimization, and graph theoretic approaches. The work addresses the technical challenge of managing a complex laser mesh network to provide reliable internet access to underserved communities.
What does a Software Engineer earn in Washington?
Median $202800 from 341 postings across 36 companies.
Develop real-time software to determine optimal beam formation for low-latency satellite networks.
Lead architecture design and conduct comprehensive code reviews.
Build prototypes and manage experiments to validate key 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++.
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, engineering fundamentals, and excellent communication skills (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
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