RF Silicon Software Engineer (Starlink)

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.

RF SILICON SOFTWARE ENGINEER (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 connectivity to millions of 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. 

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in electrical engineering and software development to bring new silicon to life. The ideal candidate will have real-world experience in multiple areas that span the hardware/software boundary: RF measurements, automation software, hardware development, and embedded firmware. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on solving challenging problems related to the silicon used in all terrestrial/space-based elements of a high-performance wireless digital communication system. You will join a team with “extreme ownership” of the silicon life-cycle, from system requirements, to chip design, to characterization, to production ramp-up, to on-orbit telemetry monitoring.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As an engineer on the RFIC team, you will solve challenging problems related to all aspects of the RF silicon that we design in-house. Much of the measurement system software and hardware that you create will be first-generation, supporting RF/RFIC designs well into the future.

• Design and build unique and technically-challenging automated measurement systems in ways that off-the-shelf equipment may not be capable of capturing. Often this involves creating both new hardware and software designs.
• Bring up new silicon, often being the first engineer to power on chips for the very first time
• Develop tools and reusable libraries for instrument control, data collection and analysis of the radio subsystems
• Deeply understand measurement data to gain insight into both component and system performance
• Create fully-validated reference designs (both hardware and software drivers) for new silicon, and support integration into downstream areas such as phased-array panel bring-up, production, and flight software

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics
• 1+ years of experience in software development in a high level language like C#, Python, or C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• MS or PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well within a fast-paced team
• Hands-on experience with radio-related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
• Experience with serial digital communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, JTAG, RFFE, software/hardware solutions to exercise these, and hands-on experience troubleshooting with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
• Experience with Python, MATLAB or JMP for data analysis
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and/or basic digital signal processing concepts
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills (both software and hardware)
• Experience designing, fabricating, and assembling quick-turn PCBs
• Experience with data management, analysis, and presentation techniques
• Knowledge of statistical concepts and techniques
• Experience developing multi-threaded applications and systems
• Experience with both Windows and Linux system usage/administration

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:             

Pay range:    
RF Silicon Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500 - $145,000/per year    
RF Silicon Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000 - $170,000/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.