Principal Software Engineer, Power Optimization (Starlink)

SpaceX· Redmond, WA· Starlink Constellation Engineering

Posted 2026-10-30

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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.

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER, POWER OPTIMIZATION (STARLINK)

Starlink connects the entire planet (and beyond) via the world's largest satellite constellation. Our network brings great internet to over 12 million households, businesses, and communities in 160+ countries, making it possible for people to live and work in more places than ever before!

As a Software Engineer on the Power Optimization team, you'll be responsible for high-performance, safety-critical software that makes billions of operational decisions per day for 10k+ Starlink satellites. You will develop algorithms to keep satellites flying safely, and maximize their network value. You will build first-principles physics models of satellite power and thermal behavior, and optimize payload utilization subject to energy and thermal constraints. Your code will have meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Write highly reliable ground and vehicle software to control thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Develop constellation optimization algorithms, working with engineers across many disciplines to understand satellite operational requirements and physical constraints.
Design future satellite constellations: define requirements and build simulations for rapid iteration on hardware and software trades.
Own the complete lifecycle of your code, including development, testing, verification, rollout, and monitoring.
Participate in code reviews for others, and maintain a high standard for code quality.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 8+ years of professional experience in software development / solving optimization problems; OR 10+ years of professional experience in software development / solving optimization problems in lieu of a degree
Proficiency in C/C++ or another systems programming language (e.g. Rust).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience with production software environments where reliability and correctness guarantees are essential.
Deep understanding of software performance, and ability to write fast, performance-oriented code. Experience with profilers, vectorization/SIMD, runtime, and memory optimization is a plus.
Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, builds, deployment, and monitoring.
Strong math and physics knowledge.
First-principles thinking and willingness to push systems to their objective physical limit.
Strong sense of ownership and attention to detail.
Excellent writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Ability to communicate with experts from other engineering disciplines and know your audience.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Passion for working with satellites and advancing the commercial space industry.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $210,000.00 - $345,000.00

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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 [email protected].

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