Embedded Software Engineer, OS/Platform (Starshield)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 6, 2026. SpaceX scores A on the Alion truth index.
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.
EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, OS/PLATFORM (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 controls satellites, operates sensors, and creates secure end-to-end communications links on embedded hardware systems. 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.
As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Starshield program, you will be solving challenging problems that underpin every aspect of the program’s growth. The areas you could have an impact on could include, but are not limited to:
- Developing software from early-stage boot loaders to mission-critical business logic, with strong emphasis on deterministic, secure, and high-performance platforms for all SpaceX Linux-based spacecraft and ground components
- Bringing up next generation space-grade silicon, including in-house designed system-on-chip and peripherals
- Building infrastructure and tools to enable rapid development and testing of new features across the OS and platform layer
Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain and update in house branches of OSS software such as Linux, Buildroot, and u-boot
- Support secureboot and runtime security of all Linux based satellite components
- Maintain the spacecraft Ethernet network and connectivity
- Develop, deploy and test spacecraft software update process
- Support in-house System on Chip and peripheral through the life-cycle of the part
- Support OS/Platform specific test infrastructure
- Development and support device drivers for third party and in-house components
- Be the first software team to receive new satellite components
- Interface with Silicon, Electrical, and Software Engineers to bring hardware from prototype stage to on on-orbit operations
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++, Python, or Rust
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience developing in the Linux kernel
- Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc)
- Experience working with computer architecture and modern secure boot flows
- Experience with ARM embedded systems
- Experience with testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & continuous monitoring
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 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.
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 [email protected].