Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starshield)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARSHIELD) The Starshield mission is to support national security through a focus on timely and reliable information delivery. Our partners in the intelligence community and defense services need best-in-class technology, developed and fielded quickly and iteratively. Our goals are focused on delivering meaningful new capabilities through both new hardware development and continual software innovation. The Starshield Software team is building software that safely and securely operates our constellation of thousands of satellites. We develop distributed software platforms for our classified ground operations centers as well as the embedded software operating on our satellites. We build large-scale systems to collect and distribute data from our arrays of overhead sensors. Our engineers are hands-on developing embedded systems and testing new hardware, as well as partnering directly with end customers to understand their unique needs. Software engineers are engaged in every step of the design process for new technologies. We directly maintain our software systems in production whether as part of our distributed ground network or the software flying aboard our satellites. We are looking for engineers who want to write their own code, test their own systems, and have extreme influence over the end outcomes. Aerospace or satellite experience is not required to be successful here – we want engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas in software. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission helping our national security. We are looking for versatile, motivated and collaborative engineers. RESPONSIBILITIES: Create highly reliable software systems that control thousands of satellites in low earth orbit See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to on-orbit rollout and beyond Work with interdisciplinary teams to brainstorm, design, and build the next generation of satellite capabilities, from cutting-edge sensors and inter-satellite lasers to space-based cloud compute Work directly with end customers to deliver quality products and data to meet their needs There are several roles within the Starshield software team with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific focus areas based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific role responsibilities may include: Write high quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.) Develop novel embedded cryptography applications for satellites and ground equipment Develop highly performant networks to connect sensor data to end users Build automated ground-based software systems that integrate smart data processing with command and control of the satellites Develop models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or research & development projects Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop, and even vehicle-in-the-loop testing BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree Development experience in C, C++, or Rust PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and software testing Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communica