Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Senior PDK Engineer to lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits for Starlink/Akoustis. You will design scalable PDK generation and automation tools, partnering with RF designers and engineers to modernize the filter design flow and accelerate productivity.

The role emphasizes AI-assisted workflows, machine learning, and robust validation across Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS platforms, with onsite work in the US.

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.
• Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing.
• Develops technology files, PCells, device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints.
• Builds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows to automate repetitive design tasks and validation.
• Develops software applications, APIs, and dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal infra for monitoring and analytics.
• Collaborates with RF designers to identify bottlenecks and implement AI-powered design assistants.
• Translates design rules and process docs into automated PDK implementations and validation suites.
• Evaluates emerging AI technologies to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization.

Skills

Python

C++

OO programming

PDK development

AI/ML in engineering

RF/microwave design

EDA tools

PCells / layout generation

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

Cadence AWR

ADS

HFSS

Git

CI/CD

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

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 Aff...