Software Engineer - C/C++ or Python

About the CompanySpaceX is an aerospace company founded with the goal of making space exploration more accessible and ultimately enabling human life on Mars. The company develops launch vehicles, spacecraft related to Starlink and SpaceX launch capabilities for U.S. government and, satellite systems, and related technologies.Starshield is SpaceX's government-focused satellite technology program. It uses technology related to Starlink and SpaceX launch capabilities for U.S. government and national-security applications, including communications, Earth observation, and hosted payloads.About the RoleThe position is Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield) based in Hawthorne, California, listed as remote.The engineer will develop software and test infrastructure for advanced RF (radio-frequency) systems used in low-Earth-orbit communications and remote-sensing applications.The role involves working closely with:RF engineersDSP engineersSoftware engineersHardware engineersFPGA engineersEnd usersA major focus is building automated RF test systems using Python and C++, validating custom RF hardware, and rapidly moving designs from development and demonstrations toward operational capabilities.QualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or another engineering discipline8+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or PythonExperience with RF test equipmentExperience with antennas or communication systemsPreferredMaster's degree in Electrical Engineering or another engineering disciplineExperience testing active and passive RF componentsExperience with RF performance measurements and conceptsStrong software architecture and testing experienceEnvironmental testing experienceHardware/software troubleshooting experienceWindows and Linux experienceConfiguration management and version-control experienceAbility to obtain and maintain an active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearanceTechnical SkillsImportant skills for this role include:C/C++PythonRF systemsAntennasCommunication systemsDSP/FPGA collaborationRF test automationSoftware architectureDesign patternsUnit and integration testingElectromagnetic simulationLinux and WindowsRF EquipmentExperience with equipment such as:Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)Vector Signal Generators (VSG)Vector Signal Analyzers (VSA)Spectrum analyzersRF power metersHigh-speed oscilloscopesLoad-pull equipmentRF ConceptsKnowledge of:GainLinearityP1dBACLREVMPAES-parametersInput/output matchingFiltersAmplifiersMixersUpconverters/downconvertersKey RequirementsThe candidate should be able to:Design and build RF test benches.Automate RF testing using Python and C++.Develop scalable RF test infrastructure.Validate and qualify RF hardware.Work across hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software teams.Create electromagnetic simulation models.Troubleshoot hardware/software interactions.Perform unit and integration testing.Work with RF laboratory instrumentation.Potentially obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Top Secret SCI security clearance.Work extended hours and weekends when required.There is also a significant U.S. export-control requirement. The posting states that applicants generally must be a U.S. citizen/national, lawful permanent resident (green-card holder), refugee, or asylee, or otherwise be eligible to obtain the required U.S. government authorization.Compensation & BenefitsPrincipal salary: $210,000–$340,000 USDAdditional compensation may include:Company stock or long-term cash awardsPotential discretionary bonusesEmployee Stock Purchase PlanMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k includes employment conditions related to national-security work and government regulations. Candidates working on sensitive programs may be)Disability insuranceLife insurancePaid parental leavePaid vacationPaid holidaysOther employee perksEmployees with an active clearance who are officially briefed into a classified program may receive a 10% clearance differential, up to $20,000 annually.Equal Opportunity / Employment ConditionsThe posting includes employment conditions related to national-security work and government regulations. Candidates working on sensitive programs may be subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing.The role also requires the ability to work extended hours or weekends when necessary.