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.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, DATA PLANE (DIRECT TO CELL)

SpaceX is developing a breakthrough new direct to cell satellite network to bring ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with telecommunication companies around the world to bring this service directly from satellites to existing cell phones, with the goal of providing coverage anywhere a phone can see the sky.

More than 20% of the United States and 90% of the Earth remain uncovered by existing wireless networks, negatively impacting communities around the world. Starlink was designed to connect the disconnected and this new product will greatly expand that mission, extending Starlink’s potential reach to billions of existing cellular devices. The applications range from connecting hikers in national parks, emergency workers such as firefighters, rural communities, remote sensors and devices, and people and devices in emergency situations. You can learn more about this recently announced effort here.

We are seeking talented software engineers to join us in making this vision a reality and solving a wide range of novel engineering challenges:

Cutting-edge networking algorithms capable of connecting thousands of satellites to millions of users in real time.
Custom 4G LTE and 5G network software supporting all layers of the protocol stack (L1/L2/L3), running for the first time on hardware in space.
Firmware and control software for one of the most complex communication payloads ever built, running on custom-built silicon chips.
Infrastructure and tools enabling a highly reliable, software-defined global network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, implement, test, maintain, and document wireless platform and data plane software for SpaceX satellite communication networks.
Design and implement data plane packet processing software that scales to tens of thousands of users on a single satellite.
Scale protocol software from a few threads on a single processor to an architecture that can leverage hundreds of CPU/DSP cores.
Lead analysis and debugging of complex cross-layer platform and data plane issues throughout all stages of development, test, and deployment.
Work with other wireless software teams to integrate platform and data plan software into the rest of the system.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering; or 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree.
5+ years of professional development experience in C/C++.
2+ years of professional experience with networking technologies such as TCP/IPv4/IPv6.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
Experience optimizing multithreaded/multicore software running in an RTOS environment including packet processing optimizations.
In-depth understanding of network layer concepts such as IPv4, IPv6, Mobile IP, packet routing, and packet forwarding.
Experience developing very high-performance software with minimum delay and tight CPU constraints.
Detailed understanding of kernel and user space concepts for Linux running on x86 and/or ARM processor architectures.
General knowledge of wireless protocol software.
Experience with or interest in owning project outcomes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Software Engineer /Senior: $170,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

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Sr. Software Engineer, Data Plane (Direct To Cell)

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