RF Software Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks an RF software engineer to design and build RF capabilities for Starlink, collaborating with RF, hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software teams to move from design to operational readiness.

The role requires building automated test benches, using Python and C++, and applying RF concepts across antennas and communication systems in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 1+ years of professional development in C/C++ or Python.
• 1+ years of experience with RF test equipment and antennas/communication systems.
• Experience with Windows and Linux OS and version control is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for characterization of RF designs and lab equipment.
• Develop modular RF test infrastructure and test sequences in Python and C++ for design validation and production.
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to validate RF systems.
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to assess performance.

Skills

C/C++

Python

RF test equipment

Antenna/communication RF

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Master's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

VNA

VSG

VSA

Spectrum analyzers

Load-pull

RF power meters

Oscilloscopes

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.

Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to serve populations with little or no connectivity. We design, build, launch, and operate the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. Starlink also designs, builds, and delivers high-volume consumer hardware that allows users to connect to these satellites within minutes of unboxing, as well as our advanced gateways that we deploy regionally throughout the world. The root of SpaceX’s success so far lies in our mission to keep all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision-making, and speedy deliverables. With millions of daily users worldwide already online, Starlink is truly a game‑changer and levels the playing field for those who were previously unconnected.

As an RF software engineer in the Starlink program, you will work with a team of RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and end users to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. 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 lightning pace.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches 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
• Design and build modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++ to support design validation, qualification, and production
• Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to design and evaluate performance

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python
• 1+ years of professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
• 1+ years of professional RF experience with antennas or communication systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

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

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• 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].

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR.