Principal Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX seeks a Principal Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) to advance RFICs for space and ground infrastructure. You will join cross-disciplinary teams to push next-generation RF/analog/mixed-signal designs for high-performance AI compute in orbit.

Role requires 8+ years RF IC experience and hands-on circuit design, simulation, and lab testing in a fast-paced space environment, with SiGe/CMOS process expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of RF IC experience.
• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/Analog/Mixed-signal IC design preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems.
• Derive specifications for RFIC subsystems and circuits.
• Develop Analog/Mixed-Signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes.
• Collaborate 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/Analog IC design

Circuit simulation

RF test equipment

Digital communications

Ku/Ka band knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD in EE (RF/Analog)

Tools

Spectre

ADS

HFSS

Momentum

Job description

Principal Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Bastrop, TX

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