RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink and Starlink Mobile. Starlink is the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Starlink Mobile network expands Starlink’s vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, the backhaul gateways on the ground, the user terminals that allow customers 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.

We are seeking a motivated and technically excellent RF Silicon Software Engineer to bring new silicon to life by creating the low-level software infrastructure that Starlink’s satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals will use to drive the custom RF silicon. The ideal candidate will have real-world experience in areas that span the hardware and embedded software boundary. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team with “extreme ownership”, focused on solving challenging problems related to the silicon used in all terrestrial/space-based elements of a high-performance wireless digital communication system.

• →Bring up new RF silicon as the first engineer to power up chips for the very first time
• →Design and build modular, reusable production-ready software driver libraries for low-level silicon control with special attention to timing, throughput, performance, and simplicity
• →Design and build hardware test platforms (hardware-in-the-loop/HTIL/HIL), create automated integration and regression tests, and validate silicon driver software on physical hardware or FPGA emulators
• →Support software integration into multiple project-specific flight software teams such as satellite phased-arrays and user terminal production

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, mathematics or physics
• 1+ years of professional development experience in C, C++, or Python

• Professional experience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications or projects
• Solid engineering fundamentals and knowledge of basic electronics, math, physics, and RF communication systems
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Creative approach to problem-solving and exceptional analytical skills
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting embedded software using common lab equipment such as power supplies, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes
• Familiarity reading schematics and PCB layouts
• Familiarity with FPGA design, HDLs (SystemVerilog, etc) and low-level register access
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones

• 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.