Software Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starshield)
SpaceX· Aerospace· Aug 31, 2026 · 2mo ago
Hawthorne, CA
In office
Full-time
Mid
$145K–$195K
3+ years exp
Job description
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, COLLISION AVOIDANCE (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
As a software engineer working in Starshield’s GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) organization, you will use your distributed systems knowledge to build mission-critical systems that keep low-earth orbit safe. Y ou’ll work on payload management, collision avoidance, and orbital prediction tools for the large spacecraft constellations, and the analysis pipelines that prove those systems are working for our fleet.
Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop highly reliable and available software systems for managing thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit
Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize the development of our products
See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to rollout and beyond
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; or 3+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
1+ year of professional experience in software development
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience with Python, C++, or a similar object-oriented programming language
Experience with distributed systems or large-scale consumer internet systems
Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring
Experience with profiling and improving application performance
Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems is a plus
Strong background in math and physics
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operations
An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol test
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00 Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program. ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave