Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX, in partnership with Akoustis, seeks a Senior PDK Software Engineer to lead next-generation PDK development for RF filters and XBAW technologies. You will architect scalable PDKs, integrate AI automation, and collaborate with RF designers and process engineers to modernize the design flow.

You will build AI-enabled tooling, validate device models, and drive reproducible design workflows, contributing to multi-planetary ambitions and Starlink expansion.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) for RF filter design flows across Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS.
• Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing.
• Develops tech files, PCells, device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulations, and process constraints.
• Builds AI-assisted tools and automation workflows to improve engineering productivity.
• Develops software applications, APIs, and dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal infrastructure for process monitoring and design analytics.
• Collaborates with RF designers to identify bottlenecks and implement AI-powered assistants to reduce iteration time.
• Translates design rules into automated PDK implementations and creates validation suites for models, parasitics, and process consistency.
• Evaluates and deploys emerging AI tech, including LLMs, to accelerate scripting and design optimization.

Skills

Python

C++

PDK development

AI automation

Design tooling

API development

CI/CD

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Cadence AWR

ADS

HFSS

PCells

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. PDK ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

Join the Starlink/Akoustis Filter Design Team as a Senior PDK Software Engineer. In this role you lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs), drive software innovation and AI-enabled automation, and build scalable design infrastructure. You partner closely with RF designers, process engineers, software developers, manufacturing engineers, and automation teams to modernize the XBAW filter design flow and raise engineering productivity through data-driven methods.

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

BASIC 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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering
• Advanced Python and C++ programming experience
• Experience creating custom PCells, layout generators, technology files, DRC/LVS rule decks, and device models
• Experience with microwave, RF, MEMS, or XBAW filter technologies
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSS
• Experience developing desktop applications, APIs, and scalable engineering software platforms
• Experience with software architecture, design patterns, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing
• Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques (including LLMs, AI agents, prompt engineering, or RAG) to engineering workflows.
• Experience building AI-powered automation tools that improve design productivity
• Experience with scientific computing libraries such as Jupyter, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and scikit-learn
• Experience with PDK integration, validation, regression testing, and release management
• Experience with semiconductor process technologies, statistical process variation, and physical verification methodologies
• Experience with piezoelectric devices, MEMS, SAW, BAW, or XBAW technologies
• Experience with multiphysics simulation and thermal modeling

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Must be willing to work onsite, remote work not considered
• 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 .

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