Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Company stock options

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Redmond is seeking a Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer to design and implement physical layer algorithms for 4G/5G systems. The ideal candidate has significant experience in wireless systems, strong coding skills in C/C++, and a robust understanding of digital signal processing.

This role involves developing and optimizing algorithms for satellite communication and will require effective communication and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in wireless systems engineering or related field.
• Strong debugging and performance optimization skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement physical layer algorithms for satellite-based 4G/5G.
• Develop optimized signal processing algorithms for constrained CPUs.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.

Skills

Wireless signal processing

C/C++ coding

Modem systems design

DSP (digital signal processing)

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in computer science or related field

Tools

Linux

Python

Git

Job description

Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Redmond, WA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement physical layer (PHY) algorithms for satellite-based 4G/5G (LTE/NR) eNodeB/gNodeB.
• Develop optimized signal processing algorithms running on resource‑constrained CPUs.
• Develop models and run simulations to analyze and validate overall system performance, including modem performance.
• Design, implement, test, maintain, and document the wireless PHY and MAC layers of the protocol stack.
• Identify and debug complex performance issues across the wireless PHY and MAC layers.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews. Contribute to system dimensioning and algorithm design for next‑generation hardware.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master’s or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline.
• 5+ Years of experience with at least 1 of the following: wireless signal processing, modem systems design, wireless systems engineering, DSP (digital signal processing), or physical layer processing (L1).
• 5+ Years of C/C++ coding experience.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with 3GPP 4G/5G (LTE/NR) physical layer design or other modern broadband OFDM waveforms such as WiMAX, 802.11 WiFi, DVB‑S2, DVB‑C, 5G NTN (non‑terrestrial networks).
• Familiarity with forward error correction (FEC) coding concepts.
• Basic familiarity with MAC layer (medium access control, L2).
• Development and optimization of complex signal processing algorithms in both fixed and floating point.
• Familiarity with Linux command line use, git‑based version control, and python programming.
• Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment.
• Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:
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 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.