Software Engineer, Integration & System Validation (Starlink - Direct To Cell)
SpaceX
Software Engineering
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
USD 130k-180k / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 12, 2025
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, INTEGRATION & SYSTEMS VALIDATION (STARLINK - DIRECT TO CELL)
The Direct to Cell network expand Starlink’s vision by providing ubiquitous connectivity and seamless access to text, voice, and data for phones and devices across the globe. The Direct to Cell network leverages the infrastructure we’ve built for Starlink and provides cellular service through a constellation of hundreds of satellites.
As an integration and system validation software engineer on the Direct to Cell program, your focus will be on validating cellular radio access network (RAN) features, supporting interoperability and performance testing, and improving developer efficiency across the cellular protocol stack. You will collaborate with RAN developers to design, build, and validate new RAN features and then analyze the performance as they roll out across the network. You will be responsible for the software and hardware test infrastructure that enables rapid development and validation of the Direct to Cell network. You will develop integration and interoperability test cases to ensure the next generation of cellular devices work seamlessly across the Direct to Cell network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with developers on new 4G and 5G cellular features and create automated tests to verify functionality and performance
- Support integration and interoperability lab testing and field trials
- Analyze and optimize new cellular features to improve network performance and reliability
- Develop modular test software frameworks and integrate cellular and satellite hardware for the development and verification of RAN software and hardware
- Maintain and troubleshoot automation lab infrastructure and work with partner teams to resolve failures
- Build tools and dashboards to provide insight into network performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
- Experience with Linux
- Experience in Python, and/or other scripting languages
- Experience with VCS (Git)
- Experience working with REST APIs
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
- Experience with configuration management, version control software, continuous integration, and agile development
- Experience with cellular networks technologies (4G, 5G) and debugging issues using tools such as Wireshark, QXDM, or XCAL
- Experience with device and interoperability certification testing and/or supporting new product introduction (NPI)
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00/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.
Software Engineer/Level I: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00/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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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.