Sr. MMIC Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

Rocket Lab; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a motivated SR. MMIC Design Engineer to work on next-generation MMICs that will enable connectivity in previously underserved areas. This role involves collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams, focusing on designing, developing, and testing MMIC products for space and ground applications. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in RF/microwave circuit design and a deep understanding of MMIC development. Join us in impacting global connectivity through innovative technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Short & long-term disability insurance

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
• Deep understanding of MMIC design theory.
• Familiarity with radio test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop MMIC products from initial specification to mass production.
• Simulate/model MMIC circuits at both circuit and electromagnetic levels.
• Evaluate and analyze full performance of MMIC prototypes.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

GaAs and/or GaN MMIC design

Experience with power amplifiers

Experience with low noise amplifiers

Simulation/modeling skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree or PhD (preferred)

Tools

ADS

HFSS

Altium Designer

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.

SR. MMIC DESIGN ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING):

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 and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, gateways, 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.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious MMIC Design 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 MMICs 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 Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Derive hardware specifications for the RF system and MMIC blocks
• Develop MMIC products from initial specification to mass production and ensure full compatibility in all aspects of implementation in the system
• Simulate/model MMIC front end circuits (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, switches) at the circuit level and electromagnetic level, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Determine how to package and implement MMIC’s, and work with RF engineers and PCB designers to develop packages and/or modules
• Evaluate, characterize, and analyze full performance of MMIC prototypes
• Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of MMIC components and RF systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design
• Experience with GaAs and/or GaN MMIC design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs, including full circuit design and layout

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in MMIC design, RF/microwave circuits, and/or electromagnetic theory
• Deep understanding of theory and MMIC design of RF front end blocks, from S-band to E-band frequency ranges
• RF/microwave design tool experience using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
• RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range
• Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers, load pull and probe stations at millimeter wave frequencies
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
• 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, analyzing and automating RF systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
RFIC Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $220,000/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 to [e-mail].