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 – MECHANICAL/THERMAL TOOLING, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

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 9M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

In this role, you will specialize in the development of thermal and degradation analysis tools that will allow us to ensure our space safety standards are met for future satellite designs. This position combines software engineering and thermal engineering knowledge to develop analysis capability and automate work across the thermal team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build custom software infrastructure and tooling to support thermal analysis simulations
• Automate analysis workflows to reduce engineering burden
• Validate and verify analysis tools and thermal models against experimental data, flight telemetry, or benchmark re-entry scenarios.
• Drive tests that will increase the fidelity of the available tools
• Produce quality documentation of your work
• Pursue performance and robustness improvements in existing tools and processes

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field
• 1+ years of professional experience (internship or co-op experience can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong background in Python and computer science fundamentals
• Understanding of thermal/fluid networks (0-D or 1-D modeling)
• Experience automating engineering workflows or simulations
• Knowledge of and/or experience in MATLAB, C/C++, Git, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Workbench, Siemens STAR-CCM+
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year    
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year    

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, stock options, 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.