Wi-Fi Software Engineer (Starlink)
SpaceX · Bastrop, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Bastrop, TX
Job highlights
- Develop and optimize Wi-Fi software for Starlink.
- Debug kernel-level system performance.
- Collaborate with RF and EE engineers.
- Improve Wi-Fi mesh performance and reliability.
- Invent tools for software deployment and testing.
About the role
Wi-Fi Software Engineer (Starlink)
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.
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, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system including thousands of satellites and millions of customer kits. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. While users can get online within minutes almost anywhere in the world, we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential. We are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for individuals, communities, and businesses.
As a Wi-Fi Software Engineer, you will be a critical piece of the overall customer experience. We are looking for experts in the Wi-Fi space to help Starlink deliver an amazing end-to-end customer experience. You see the big picture, prioritize accordingly, and are comfortable with working at different levels of abstraction.
Responsibilities
- Driving the Wi-Fi software and product roadmap
- Debug and optimize kernel-level system performance
- Collaborate with our RF and EE engineers to improving our testing procedures for both software and hardware
- Mentor software engineers and building a great work culture
- Improve our Wi-Fi mesh performance
- Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 1+ years of professional experience in software development; or 3+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree
- 1+ years development experience in C or C++
- Experience with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard and with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc.)
- Experience working on embedded software for networking equipment
Preferred Skills And Experience
- Strong fundamental knowledge of networks, embedded systems, math, and physics
- Solid communication and leadership skills
- Experience testing Wi-Fi for performance or stability
- Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & continuous monitoring
- Knowledge of DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, Linux bridge, network stack internals
- Experience with networking kernel modules and drivers
- Experience driving cross-team projects
- Experience with security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services
- Experience with Golang and Python
- Experience with hostAP
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
Additional Requirements
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
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.
Key skills/competency
- Wi-Fi Software Engineer
- Kernel-level system performance
- Wi-Fi mesh performance
- Embedded software development
- Networking protocols
- Continuous integration
- Golang
- Python
- Linux
- IEEE 802.11
Skills & topics
- Wi-Fi Software Engineer
- Software Development
- Embedded Systems
- Networking Protocols
- IEEE 802.11
- Kernel Development
- Mesh Networking
- C++
- Golang
- SpaceX
- Starlink
- Aerospace
- Satellite Internet
- System Performance
- Continuous Integration
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight C/C++, IEEE 802.11, and embedded systems experience for the Wi-Fi Software Engineer role at SpaceX.
- Showcase leadership: Emphasize any experience mentoring engineers or driving cross-team projects in your application.
- Demonstrate technical depth: Detail your understanding of networking protocols, kernel-level performance, and testing methodologies.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss Wi-Fi mesh performance, embedded systems, and your problem-solving approach.
- Research SpaceX culture: Understand their mission and fast-paced environment to align your responses during the interview process.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the career growth potential for a Wi-Fi Software Engineer at SpaceX?
- SpaceX offers significant career growth opportunities. As a Wi-Fi Software Engineer, you can advance by taking on more complex technical challenges, leading projects, mentoring junior engineers, and potentially moving into specialized or management roles within the Starlink division or broader SpaceX engineering teams. Your contributions directly impact a rapidly evolving, high-impact project.
- What are the typical work hours for a Wi-Fi Software Engineer at SpaceX?
- SpaceX is known for its demanding work environment. While standard business hours apply, this role may require extended hours and weekend work, especially during critical project phases. The job description explicitly states willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
- What specific Wi-Fi technologies are most important for this role?
- Key technologies for this Wi-Fi Software Engineer position include a strong understanding of the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard, networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP), and experience with embedded software for networking equipment. Familiarity with hostAP, Linux bridge, and networking kernel modules is also highly beneficial.
- Does SpaceX provide training for new technologies or programming languages?
- While SpaceX hires experienced professionals, the dynamic nature of their work encourages continuous learning. You'll likely gain exposure to new technologies and best practices through on-the-job experience, collaboration with expert teams, and potentially internal knowledge-sharing sessions. Proficiency in Golang and Python is preferred, indicating potential for using these languages.
- How does SpaceX handle continuous integration and deployment for Starlink software?
- SpaceX emphasizes creating tools for more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system. The role involves inventing new tools in this area, indicating a strong focus on modern DevOps practices and automation.
- What is the role of a Wi-Fi Software Engineer in improving Starlink's mesh performance?
- As a Wi-Fi Software Engineer at SpaceX, a key responsibility is to improve the Wi-Fi mesh performance of the Starlink system. This involves debugging, optimizing kernel-level operations, and collaborating with hardware engineers to ensure robust and efficient connectivity for millions of users.