Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation days + holidays

Stock options

Job summary

SpaceX seeks an experienced SR. RF Silicon Software Engineer to own silicon lifecycle from requirements to production and telemetry.

The role blends hardware and software across RFIC domains, requiring hands‑on expertise in RF measurements, embedded firmware, and automation software to support Starlink hardware and software integration. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and optimize software drivers and test platforms, collaborating with multiple flight software teams to deliver robust

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science.
• 5+ years of professional development experience in C, C++, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Solve challenging RF silicon problems and create measurement system software/hardware.
• Design and build modular software driver libraries for low‑level silicon control.
• Develop hardware test platforms (HTIL/HIL) and validate driver software on hardware or FPGA emulators.
• Support software integration with flight software teams for satellite phased‑arrays and user terminal production.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering or computer science

Job description

SR. RF SILICON SOFTWARE ENGINEER (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX was founded with the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and to support Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system.

At SpaceX we design, build, test, and operate all parts of Starlink—the world’s largest satellite constellation—providing fast, reliable connectivity to millions of users worldwide. We are looking for engineers to maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

SpaceX is seeking engineers with electrical engineering and software development backgrounds to bring silicon to life. The ideal candidate will have real‑world experience across hardware/software boundaries: RF measurements, automation software, hardware development, and embedded firmware. You will join a multidisciplinary team with ownership of the silicon life‑cycle from requirements to design, characterization, production ramp‑up, and on‑orbit telemetry monitoring.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• As an engineer on the RFIC team, solve challenging problems related to RF silicon designed in‑house. Create first‑generation measurement system software and hardware to support RF/RFIC designs into the future.
• Design and build modular, reusable software driver libraries for low‑level silicon control with attention to timing, throughput, performance, and simplicity
• Design and build hardware test platforms (hardware‑in‑the‑loop/HTIL/HIL) and validate silicon driver software on physical hardware or FPGA emulators
• Support software integration into multiple project‑specific flight software teams such as satellite phased‑arrays and user terminal production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
• 5+ years of professional development experience in C, C++, or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Professional experience developing, debugging, and deploying software used in real‑world applications or projects
• Solid fundamentals in electronics, math, physics, and RF communication systems
• Strong debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing skills
• Creative problem‑solving ability and strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: RF Silicon Software Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of SpaceX’s total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives (stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will have access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other benefits. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and receive 10+ paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, a Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or an Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application/interview process should contact [e-mail].