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# SATELLITE ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

- **Company:** Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
- **Location:** Redmond, WA, United States
- **Salary:** $105,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Bash Shell, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Decision Support Systems, Desktop Computing, Python (Programming Language), Software Construction, Software Engineering, Software Systems, SQL Databases, Real Time Systems, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Programming Languages
- **Published:** October 13, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.themuse.com/jobs/spacex/satellite-onorbit-operations-software-engineer-starlink

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, physics, or other STEM discipline
 * 1+ years of professional software development experience (Python and/or C++ strongly preferred; experience with SQL, bash, or similar also valuable)
 * Experience building software that interacts with hardware (e.g., robotics, embedded systems, control systems, test automation)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

 * Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, physics, or other STEM discipline
 * Strong understanding of computers, programming languages (Python, C/C++), and formal software development processes
 * Experience with real-time or near-real-time systems, automation, and data-driven decision making
 * Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems (robotics, spacecraft, industrial automation, or similar)
 * Understanding of hardware reliability and electrical+mechanical failure mechanisms
 * Experience developing functional test plans, field operations tools, or operational software for physical systems
 * Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

 * Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
 * Ability to work on an "on-call" basis on a weeklong rotational schedule, * 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.

## Description

As an engineer on this team, your primary focus will be engineering systems to scale the operation of the largest collection of on-orbit hardware in history. You will sit at the intersection of software, electrical, and mechanical engineering-ensuring hardware on 10k+ satellites robustly serves millions of users from low-Earth orbit while maintaining collision avoidance and space safety. You will develop and deploy software (often within hours or days) to automate fault detection and response on-vehicle and on the ground. You will operate the constellation-sending commands, responding to alerts in real-time, and driving process improvements to achieve the highest reliability with an efficient operator count. You will work with subsystem design engineers (software, electrical, hardware), guidance navigation and control engineers, and network engineers to develop tools and upgrades that feed directly into next-generation satellite designs.

Generally - we are looking for engineers of any background who have both strong software ability and experience with hardware systems., * Develop and rapidly deploy software (to satellites and ground systems) that automates fault detection, response, and operational workflows

 * Build and improve ground software systems that manage vehicle state, streamline commanding, support deorbits, and enable real-time anomaly triage
 * Develop operational processes, strategies, and automation for new hardware versions, new satellite capabilities, and evolving performance targets
 * Detect and triage emerging anomalies on satellite bus and payload hardware and command orbital assets in a rotating on-call schedule
 * Collaborate closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, electrical, GNC, network, test) to deliver high-performance, high-reliability connectivity
 * Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems