Senior RF Software Engineer: RF design & test automation

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. RF Software Engineer (Starlink) to drive RF software design and validation for the Starlink satellite constellation. You will build test benches, automate RF workflows, and collaborate with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software teams to deliver scalable RF solutions.

Proficiency in C/C++ or Python, strong RF fundamentals, and hands-on experience with lab equipment are essential. The role requires willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or another engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python.
• Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
• Experience with antennas or communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs.
• Research novel solutions for large-scale satellite RF systems.
• Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for full characterization of RF designs.
• Design and build modular RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++.
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design RF systems.
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to evaluate performance.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python programming

Software design principles

Software architecture

Unit/integration testing

Troubleshooting software/hardware

Windows & Linux

Version control

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Vector signal generators

Network analyzers

RF power meters

Oscilloscopes

Thermal chambers

Temperature forcing systems

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SR. RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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:

• Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs


• Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems


• 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


• 5+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python


• Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers


• 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

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. 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 [e-mail].