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Sr. Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink)

Join SpaceX as a Sr. Software Engineer to enhance Starlink's satellite internet experience for underserved communities.

Location
Palo Alto, CA
Compensation
$175k–$240k/yr
Level
senior
Type
full time

Posted by employer 4 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 4 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 19 hours ago

Requirements

Experience
5+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In this role, the Sr. Software Engineer focuses on developing real-time software to optimize beam planning for Starlink's satellite network, enhancing user experience for broadband internet. Key skills include proficiency in C or C++, along with experience in high-performance computing and network optimization techniques. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers with a strong background in software development and problem-solving abilities. SpaceX's dynamic environment offers the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology that aims to transform global internet access.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 4 months ago — first seen on Joblaze June 10, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 27, 2026.
  • This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Redmond, WA.
  • Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,200).
  • Starts above 73% of 105 comparable senior other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $165,000 across 20 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 6.1% of 2570 comparable senior other roles in United States; physics simulation appears in 0.1% of 2570 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $175,000–$240,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C, C++, distributed systems, game engine development, internet services, physics simulation.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Sr. Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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, HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. All Starlink satellites have laser terminals to connect with other Starlink satellites, creating a large laser mesh network in orbit. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for the world’s best engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges that improve our ability to fully utilize the hardware we have deployed. Our goal is to provide customers with the best possible satellite internet experience, often providing under-served communities with affordable, life-changing broadband internet access.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) should be formed in order to provide the best possible user experience for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in software development experience; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
  • Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
  • Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
  • Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level 3: $175,000 - $240,000.00

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, 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:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

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