Sr. RTL Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Many paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Senior RTL Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering) in California to develop next‑gen ASICs for Starlink and space networks. You will define architecture, write RTL in Verilog/SystemVerilog, and work with verification and physical teams to deliver timing‑clean designs.

Bachelor’s degree in EE/CE/CS and 5+ years RTL experience are required, with strengths in clock domain crossings, power optimization, and SoC integration; the role offers competitive compensation and stock options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
• 5+ years of experience in RTL implementation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate architectural trade-offs based on features, performance requirements and system limitations.
• Define micro-architecture, implement the RTL in Verilog/System Verilog, integrate that in top level and deliver the fully verified, synthesis/timing clean design.
• Work closely with verification team to ensure all aspects of the design are covered and verified.
• Provide timing constraint for those IPs and support the physical implementation team (synthesis, timing closure, formality check).
• Participate in silicon bring-up and validation.

Skills

Clock domain crossings

Power optimization

SoC integration

Embedded CPU subsystems

Bus protocols (AXI/AHB)

High speed design

Low power design

Python scripting

EDA tools

HDL simulators

HDL lint

Team player

Learning on the job

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science

Tools

HDL simulators

HDL Lint tools

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. RTL 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, 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 engineer who will work alongside world‑class cross‑disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering, ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing cutting‑edge next‑generation ASICs 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. Your efforts will help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate architectural trade-offs based on features, performance requirements and system limitations
• Define micro‑architecture, implement the RTL in Verilog/System Verilog, integrate that in top level and deliver the fully verified, synthesis/timing clean design
• Work closely with verification team to ensure all aspects of the design are covered and verified
• Provide timing constraint for those IPs and support the physical implementation team (synthesis, timing closure, formality check)
• Participate in silicon bring‑up and validation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
• 5+ years of experience in RTL implementation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to solve complex problems including clock domain crossings and power optimization
• ASIC/SoC system integration experience
• Experience with embedded CPU subsystems
• Experience with standard bus protocols (e.g. AXI, AHB, etc.)
• Experience with high speed and low power design techniques
• Scripting skills (e.g. Python, etc.)
• Experience with EDA tools such as HDL simulators and HDL Lint tools
• Team‑player, can‑do attitude and ability to work well in a group environment while still contributing on an individual basis
• Enjoys being challenged and learning new skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Pay range:
ASIC Design Engineer/Senior: $175,000.00 - $280,000.00/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.

• eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock
• stock options
• long‑term cash awards
• potential discretionary bonuses
• the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 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
• various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• 5 days of sick leave per year

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].