Principal Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking a Principal Engineer for the AI Satellites program (Starmind). You will design RF/analog/mixed-signal ICs for space and ground infrastructure, collaborating with systems, firmware, and ASIC teams to push performance.

Join a cross-disciplinary team to derive specs, layout, test, and qualify RFICs in SiGe or CMOS processes, enabling high‑energy, high‑efficiency satellite systems for Earth observation and AI compute.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or another engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of RF integrated circuit experience.
• Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in RF/Analog/Mixed-signal integrated circuit design.
• Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS or Momentum.
• Knowledge of RF transceiver architectures and RF/microwave design in Ku/Ka-band ranges.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems
• Derive specifications for the RFIC subsystems and circuits
• Develop Analog/Mixed-Signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes
• Work with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Perform IC floor planning and layout
• Model package and external parasitic components
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes of the design
• Characterize and analyze full radio performance
• Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the RFIC components and systems

Skills

RF design

Analog/mixed-signal

Circuit modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE/CS

Master's or PhD in EE/CE (RF focus)

Tools

Spectre

ADS

HFSS/Momentum

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Analog IC engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of Starmind.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems
• Derive specifications for the RFIC subsystems and circuits
• Develop Analog/Mixed-Signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes
• Work with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Perform IC floor planning and layout
• Model package and external parasitic components
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes of the design
• Characterize and analyze full radio performance
• Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the RFIC components and systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or another engineering discipline
• 8+ years of RF integrated circuit experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in RF/Analog/Mixed-signal integrated circuit design
• Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS or Momentum
• Circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation of both linear and non-linear circuits such as phase-locked loops, vector modulators/demodulators, oscillators, mixers, filters, low noise and power amplifiers
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
• Knowledge of RF transceiver architectures
• RF/microwave design in the Ku-band, K-band and Ka-band frequency range
• Familiarity with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Experience characterizing radio performance in microwave frequencies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

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 Affi … or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].