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Embedded Software Engineer, Laser Mesh Routing (Starlink) Verified today

SpaceX · Bellevue, WA · Software · first seen 2026-10-23
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Embedded Software Engineer, Laser Mesh Routing (Starlink)

Build and operate the core software for Starlink's laser mesh routing network. As an embedded software engineer on this team, you will own the lowest layers of the software stack that interface directly with network hardware and satellite systems.

Responsibilities

  • Build and maintain the lean, high-reliability Linux-based operating system that underpins Starlink laser mesh of satellites.
  • Write high-performance device drivers to extract maximum physical capability from network and compute hardware.
  • Manage deployment, operation, and debugging in production, including rigorous resolution and root-causing of anomalies to ensure constant reliability improvement.
  • Develop and improve tools for observability and configuration management.
  • Collaborate with hardware teams and external partners to design next-generation hardware and bring up OS and software stack on it.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science; OR 2+ years professional software development experience (internship experience applicable).
  • Hands-on system programming experience in C or C++.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Deep knowledge of Linux kernel and networking stack, or experience with another production-grade kernel.
  • Proficiency with debugging tools spanning kernel, network, and userspace (ftrace, perf, Wireshark, tcpdump, eBPF, gdb).
  • Experience bringing up new hardware from scratch: flashed bare-metal software with JTAG or bootstrapped Linux kernel and rootfs on new hardware.
  • Track record developing and optimizing device and peripheral drivers, ideally for high-speed interfaces with DMA and cache coherency considerations.
  • Understanding of major peripheral hardware interface standards (Ethernet, PCIe, I2C, SPI); ability to review schematics and debug these interfaces.
  • Experience with product security, OS and system hardening, and secure boot schemes.

Compensation

  • Level 1: $125,000 - $165,000
  • Level 2: $145,000 - $200,000
  • Actual level and base salary determined case-by-case based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
  • Long-term incentives in company stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and employee stock purchase plan at discount.
  • Medical, vision, dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability, life insurance, paid parental leave.
  • 3 weeks paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year.
  • Paid sick time in compliance with Washington State law.
  • Company shuttle service from select Seattle locations to SpaceX Redmond office, Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirements

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.