RFIC Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an RFIC Engineer for AI Satellites (Starmind) to design RF/Microwave circuits for space-based systems and contribute to the development of high-performance RF front-ends in a demanding space environment.

You will work across cross‑functional teams to partition functions between hardware and software, develop MMICs, characterize components, and help advance the constellation’s connectivity and processing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of RF/microwave circuit design experience.

Responsibilities

• Simulate/model RF front-end systems with cross-functional teams.
• Derive RF hardware specifications for RF systems and blocks.
• Develop RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, boards and packages.
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components.
• Characterize and analyze full radio performance.
• Assist in automated test equipment development for lab measurements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing on production testing of RF avionics components and systems.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

Linear/non-linear circuit design

RF passive components

Schematic/Layout with Altium Designer

Matlab/Python/C++ modeling

Digital communication theory

Ku/Ka/V/E-band RF design

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD in RF/microwave

Tools

ADS

HFSS

AWR

Altium Designer

Matlab

Python

LabVIEW

Vector/Network/Spectrum Analyzers

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.

RFIC ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the worlds 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. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance electrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

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). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs 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. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starmind network.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Simulate/model RF front-end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Derive RF HW specifications for the RF system and RF blocks
• Develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, board and packages
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components
• Characterize and analyze full radio performance
• Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF avionics components and systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory
• Experience with design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs
• Thorough understanding of RF passive components
• Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
• RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
• Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
• Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools
• Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
• Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation
• Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure
• RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or 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].