Senior PDK Engineer: AI-Driven RF/EDA for Scalable Design

Starlink; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX, in partnership with Akoustis, is seeking a Senior PDK Software Engineer to lead the next generation of Process Design Kits for RF filter design across Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS.

You will build scalable frameworks, AI-assisted automation, and dashboards while collaborating with RF designers and process engineers to accelerate design cycles and ensure manufacturing rules are captured in robust PDKs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design.
• 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) that support complete RF filter design flows across EDA tools including Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS, delivering reliable end-to-end design capability within the first 6–12 months
• Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing that ensure consistent, high-quality releases across process revisions
• Develops technology files, parameterized cells (PCells), device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints that accurately capture manufacturing rules and accelerate design cycles
• Builds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows that automate repetitive design tasks, PDK validation, design-rule generation, parameter optimization, anomaly detection, and documentation, measurably improving engineering productivity
• Develops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal engineering infrastructure for process monitoring, model validation, and design analytics
• Collaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants that reduce iteration time and raise design efficiency
• Translates Design Rule Manuals and process documentation into robust, maintainable, automated PDK implementations and creates validation suites that verify device models, parasitic extraction, physical verification, and process consistency
• Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflows

Skills

Python

C++

ML/AI techniques

Software architecture

Git & CI/CD

PDK integration

RF/microwave design

XBAW tech

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering

Master’s degree in electrical/computer engineering or CS

Tools

Cadence AWR

ADS

HFSS

PCells

DRC/LVS rule decks

Layout generators

Job description

SpaceX, in partnership with Akoustis, is seeking a Senior PDK Software Engineer to lead the next generation of Process Design Kits for RF filter design across Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS.

You will build scalable frameworks, AI-assisted automation, and dashboards while collaborating with RF designers and process engineers to accelerate design cycles and ensure manufacturing rules are captured in robust PDKs.