Principal DFT Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

InvestedintheMission; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 355,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Discretionary bonuses

Medical insurance

Vision and dental

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Disability insurance

Job summary

SpaceX in California seeks a Principal DFT Engineer (Silicon Engineering) to lead the implementation and optimization of DFT architectures for Starlink ASICs, collaborating with systems, firmware, design, validation and ASIC teams.

The role requires ATPG pattern generation, RTL/physical design DRC checks, and integration of DFT fabrics with strong Verilog/SystemVerilog skills and UPF experience. Extended hours may be needed to meet milestones.

Qualifications

• Lead DFT architecture and ATPG pattern design for ASICs.
• Strong RTL/Verilog debugging and verification experience.
• Knowledge of UPF methods and DRC checks required.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and optimization of DFT architectures including scan insertion and memory BIST.
• Own ATPG tooling, pattern generation, diagnosis, and post‑silicon validation.
• Evaluate RTL/physical design DRC readiness for scan insertion.
• Integrate DFT fabrics and IPs in subsystems.
• Develop test scripts and automate data analysis with Perl/Python/Tcl/C.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams across design, validation, and ASIC execution.

Skills

DFT architectures

ATPG pattern generation

RTL design verification

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Power/clock optimization

UPF/DFT verification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Siemens Tessent

Gate-level DFT tools

Job 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.

PRINCIPAL DFT ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

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 internet 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.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world‑class cross‑disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering and ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing next‑generation ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead implementation and optimization of DFT architectures, including scan insertion, compression/decompression logic, memory BIST, and logic BIST, leveraging Siemens Tessent tools for RTL and gate netlist DFT implementation
• Own ATPG tools and methodologies, including generating patterns for stuck‑at, transition, and path delay fault models, while focusing on pattern compression, diagnosis, and hierarchical test flows. Provide post‑silicon testing and validation support
• Responsible for evaluating design readiness for scan insertion through RTL and physical design Scan Design Rule Check (DRC) tools
• Integration and verification of Design for Test (DFT) fabrics and IP within Subsystems
• Run and debug non‑timing and SDF annotated gate level simulations
• Develop test scripts, automate processes, and analyze data using programming languages such as Perl, Python, Tcl, or C+

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
• 10+ years of experience working with ASICs
• 10+ years of experience in scan insertion and DFT setup, integration and validation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Leadership experience driving SOC DFT execution from concept through tapeout and product deployment
• RTL experience to understand, trace and debug RTL connectivity issues as they pertain to DFT
• Ability to solve complex problems including clock domain crossings and power optimization
• Experience with UPF (Unified Power Format), formal verification, and DRC rule checking experience
• Familiar with advanced silicon process and technology nodes for high speed and low power consumption
• Strong implementation or integration of design blocks using Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Experience working with ATE testers and test teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $220,000.00 - $355,000.00

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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 [e-mail].