Embedded Software Engineer, Platform (Starshield)
Build and own the low-level platform software for SpaceX's Starshield spacecraft: bootloaders (U-Boot, Buildroot), the Linux kernel and device drivers, and secure-boot/firmware for CPU and FPGA boards, carrying it from development through test to on-orbit support. Core stack is C/C++/Rust on ARM/FPGA embedded systems.
- Compensation
- $125K–$195K / yr
- Location
- Hawthorne, CA
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Category
- Embedded
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree
- System-level development experience in C, C++, or Rust
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Must meet ITAR eligibility: U.S. citizen/national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee
Nice to have
- Experience developing in the Linux kernel
- Experience with computer architecture and modern secure boot flows
- Experience with ARM and/or FPGA SoC embedded systems
- Experience with testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and continuous monitoring
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
Full description
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.
EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, PLATFORM SOFTWARE (STARSHIELD)
National security customers cannot wait on slow programs or fragile software. Starshield’s job is timely, reliable information delivery for the intelligence community and defense services by building robust embedded systems, flying them quickly, and iterating.
The Starshield Software team builds the software that boots, runs, and secures spacecraft and ground systems. As an Embedded Software Engineer on Starshield Platform, you will contribute across the stack that userspace applications depend on: early-stage bootloaders, Linux kernel and drivers, and any other firmware needed to reliably control CPU and FPGA hardware on Starshield vehicle nodes.
You will own that software through its full lifecycle: development, test, and on-orbit support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain and update in-house branches of open-source software such as Linux, Buildroot, and U-Boot
- Design and implement platform security: secure boot, runtime integrity, and the features that keep this layer trustworthy on orbit
- Support Platform-specific test infrastructure
- Own device drivers and board-level firmware for in-house and vendor components
- Define and maintain interfaces between the platform layer and userspace / mission software
- Work with Electrical, FPGA, and application software teams to take boards from prototype through on-orbit operations
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
- System-level development experience in C, C++, or Rust
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience developing in the Linux kernel
- Experience working with computer architecture and modern secure boot flows
- Experience with ARM and/or FPGA SoC embedded systems
- Experience with testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and continuous monitoring
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance