This role pays less than
76%
of similar roles. Most pay
$141,537–$205,362
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$138k
versus about
$173k
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, Low Latency Computing (Starlink), you will join the Starlink program as a Beam Planning and Network Software Engineer to optimize the performance of a global satellite-based network. You will be responsible for the entire software lifecycle, including development, testing, and support, with a focus on creating reliable, real-time software that determines beam formation for high-bandwidth connectivity. Your daily work involves leading architecture reviews, developing prototypes to prove design concepts, and building tools for data analysis and test execution across virtualized and hardware-in-the-loop environments. The role requires proficiency in assembly, C, or C++, alongside experience with distributed systems. Preferred skills include knowledge of network topology, numerical optimization, graph theory, and high-performance computing in resource-constrained environments to solve complex challenges within a large laser mesh network in orbit.
What does a Software Engineer earn in Washington?
Median $202800 from 341 postings across 36 companies.
Develop reliable, real-time software to determine optimal beam formations for a low-latency satellite network.
Lead and participate in architecture design and code reviews.
Build prototypes and manage experiments to validate key design concepts.
Create tools for data analysis, visualization, and test execution across multiple environments.
Execute tests on virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit systems.
Manage the full software lifecycle including development, testing, and support.
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, 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