RF Software Engineer, Customer Hardware (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a talented RF Software Engineer to join their dynamic Starlink team. In this role, you will collaborate with a diverse group of engineers to design and build cutting-edge RF capabilities aimed at delivering high-speed internet to underserved areas. You'll engage in exciting projects that push the boundaries of technology, working on everything from RF test setups to software development. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking initiative that has the potential to change lives globally, all while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in C#, C/C++, or Python development.
• Knowledge of RF test equipment and electronics fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Develop RF functionality and calibration software for wireless hardware.
• Design and automate RF test setups for custom RF designs.

Skills

C#

C/C++

Python

RF test equipment

Electronics knowledge

RF communications

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in physics

Bachelor’s degree in computer science

Master's degree in electrical engineering

Master's degree in physics

Master's degree in computer science

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)

Spectrum Analyzers

High-speed oscilloscopes

Configuration management software

Version control software

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.

RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CUSTOMER HARDWARE (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 that provides fast, reliable internet to 4M+ 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.

As an RF software engineer on the Starlink team, you will work with a team of RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and end users to design and build RF capabilities to deliver high-speed internet to those who need it most. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at a lightning pace.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop RF-focused functionality and calibration/test software for customer wireless hardware operation and production
• Design, build, validate, and automate RF test setups for full characterization of custom RF designs, often involving vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other common lab equipment
• Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science
• 1+ years of professional development experience in C#, C/C++, or Python (internship experience is applicable)
• Experience with RF test equipment, including but not limited to, VNA, spectrum analyzer, etc.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science
• Strong fundamental knowledge of electronics, RF communications, physics, and math
• Experience with testing both active and passive RF devices such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, and upconverters/downconverters
• Familiarity with common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, and input/output matching
• Familiarity with SOLID software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing methodology
• Familiarity with environmental test methodologies and equipment such as thermal chambers and temperature forcing systems
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Familiarity using Windows and Linux operating systems
• Experience with configuration management and version control software

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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.

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,