New Graduate Engineer, Software

About the role

SpaceX is actively seeking new graduates to join the Starlink team and contribute to the software defining global broadband internet access. In this role, you will own software components that span from low-level satellite firmware all the way up to user-facing platform experiences. The work you perform will directly impact the reliability and performance of a complex distributed satellite constellation operating in real-time environments. You will be responsible for building the resilient and efficient software systems that ensure seamless connectivity for users around the world. This position requires collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines to align software architecture with broader product goals. You will participate in the full ownership of the development lifecycle, ensuring that your code meets the high standards required for space-grade systems. Your contributions will help validate new design concepts and push the capabilities of satellite software infrastructure.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and implement reliable, real-time software solutions for satellite and ground-based control systems.
• Execute the complete management of the development lifecycle, encompassing requirements tracing, implementation, verification, and controlled deployment.
• Drive technical discussions by leading and actively contributing to architecture, design, and rigorous code reviews.
• Engineer and construct prototypes that validate novel design concepts and de-risk future architectural choices.
• Synchronize efforts with other engineering disciplines to collaboratively plan and execute product development milestones.
• Analyze complex system behaviors to isolate root causes and optimize performance across distributed software components.
• Develop and maintain software artifacts that adhere to strict safety, reliability, and quality standards for aerospace applications.
• Integrate and test networking stacks to ensure robust communication pathways between satellites and ground stations.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing clear technical guidance and fostering a culture of excellence in software craftsmanship.
• Continuously evaluate emerging tools and methodologies to improve the efficiency and robustness of the development pipeline.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or another closely related STEM field.
• Demonstrate professional-level experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or C#, including through internship roles.
• Anticipate graduation during the spring, summer, or fall season of the year 2026.
• Exhibit willingness to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet critical project deadlines.
• Maintain eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship for roles requiring ITAR compliance.
• Possess U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee status, or asylee status to satisfy ITAR requirements.
• Show the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and technical challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Commit to upholding the high safety and quality standards inherent in SpaceX engineering practices.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience writing production software that has been deployed to end-users.
• A documented history of debugging complex issues and deploying fixes in live applications.
• Strong analytical reasoning combined with creative approaches to solving difficult engineering problems.
• In-depth proficiency in networking protocols, specifically TCP/IP and UDP, and their real-world implementations.
• Practical knowledge of distributed system architectures and the security implications they introduce.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with diverse teams.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects or personal coding portfolios that demonstrate technical depth.
• Familiarity with version control workflows and automated testing frameworks used in professional settings.

Skills & tools

• C, C++, Python, C#
• Networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)
• Distributed systems
• Embedded and firmware development

Practical notes

Salary range: $122,500 to $145,000 per year. Compensation includes potential long-term incentives, stock options, cash awards, and discretionary bonuses. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, 10+ holidays, and 5 days of sick leave. Company shuttles are available from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office. Applicants must meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. SpaceX is an equal opportunity employer.