Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Mississippi; On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled RF Silicon Software Engineer to contribute to the revolutionary Starlink project. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in electrical engineering and software development to bring new silicon to life, ensuring high-performance wireless communication systems. You will work in a dynamic team environment, tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in satellite technology. With a focus on modular software design and hardware validation, your contributions will directly impact the future of global internet connectivity. Join a mission-driven organization and be part of a groundbreaking initiative that is changing the way the world connects.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Bring up new RF silicon and power on chips for the first time.
• Design and build software driver libraries for silicon control.
• Validate silicon driver software on hardware or FPGA emulators.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Debugging

Performance Optimization

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering

Bachelor’s degree in computer science

Tools

FPGA Emulators

Job description

SR. RF SILICON SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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, 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.

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in electrical engineering and software development to bring new silicon to life. The ideal candidate will have real-world experience in multiple areas that span the hardware/software boundary: RF measurements, automation software, hardware development, and embedded firmware. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on solving challenging problems related to the silicon used in all terrestrial/space-based elements of a high-performance wireless digital communication system. You will join a team with “extreme ownership” of the silicon life-cycle, from system requirements, to chip design, to characterization, to production ramp-up, to on-orbit telemetry monitoring.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Bring up new RF silicon as the first engineer to power on chips for the very first time
• Design and build modular, reusable software driver libraries for low-level silicon control with special 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 that has been used in real-world applications or projects
• Solid engineering fundamentals and knowledge of electronics, math, physics, and RF communication systems
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Creative approach to problem-solving and exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

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 - $220,000.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.