SpaceX
Software Engineer, Power Optimization (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Software Engineer to develop high-performance, safety-critical software for Starlink's power optimization systems, managing billions of daily operational decisions across 10,000+ satellites in orbit. You'll create algorithms and physics models to keep satellites operational while maximizing network value through energy and thermal constraint optimization.
What you'll do
- Develop ground and vehicle software controlling thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit
- Create constellation optimization algorithms collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams
- Design future satellite constellations with simulations for hardware-software trade studies
- Own complete software lifecycle from development through testing, verification, deployment, and monitoring
- Conduct code reviews and maintain high code quality standards across the team
What they're looking for
- C/C++ or systems programming languages (Rust, etc.)
- Performance optimization, profiling, vectorization, and memory management
- Strong mathematics and physics foundations
- Version control, testing, CI/CD, and deployment practices
- Production software reliability and correctness verification
- Cross-disciplinary communication and technical writing
- First-principles problem-solving and systems thinking
- Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a discount
- 3 weeks paid vacation plus 10+ paid holidays annually
- Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance
- Company shuttle service from Seattle-area locations to Redmond office
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Tell us about a time you optimized performance-critical code; what profiling tools did you use and what improvements did you achieve?
- How would you approach designing a physics-based power model for a satellite constellation, and what assumptions would you validate?