Software Engineer, Tracking (Starshield)

About the Role

• Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. 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.
• You’ll work on payload management and orbital prediction tools for large spacecraft constellations, and the analysis pipelines that prove those systems are working for the fleet.
• Software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support.
• Looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Build software tools and construct scenarios to analyze system performance
• 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 determining the core requirements, to prototyping, developing, and testing, and to rollout and beyond

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Software development experience in either C++ or Python
• 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)
• Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems
• Strong background in math and physics
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, data science, or an engineering discipline
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

ITAR Requirements: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.