Software Engineer, High Assurance Test (Starshield)

About the role

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HIGH ASSURANCE TEST (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a High Assurance Test Engineer on Starshield, you will design, build, and execute advanced testing strategies for an in-house solution supporting cryptographic security and verification across all Starshield flight systems. You will have full ownership of new test frameworks, automation tools, and validation capabilities in a scalable high-performance application used to verify, harden, and control flight-critical systems. This is a high-impact role where you will collaborate across engineering groups to develop high-assurance cryptographic testing infrastructure that dramatically accelerates software and hardware development cycles, enabling faster iteration, earlier issue detection, and rapid demonstration of cutting-edge secure technologies.

Testing is a fundamental quality check and last line of defense before our products are installed for flight. As a Software Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop test software infrastructure that will validate the performance of these components in a cross-disciplinary environment. You will be expected to create new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up including hardware, software, and the interface between the two.

We are looking for people who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate in our testing approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification

Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems

Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria

Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production

Design, implement, document, and execute security verification tests in the presence of regulatory bodies and certifying authorities

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++, Rust, or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong technical writing skills with the ability to clearly communicate complex topics to diverse audiences

Extensive knowledge of Linux operating systems

Experience with configuration management and version control software

Experience with continuous integration and agile development

Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time

Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment

Experience interacting with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion

Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation

Experience with embedded hardware product development

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: Level 1: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 Level 2: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com .