Wireless Systems Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Three weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is hiring a Wireless Systems Engineer for Starlink Mobile in Sunnyvale, CA. The role involves designing and developing wireless algorithms to enhance performance for the Starlink Mobile satellite network. Ideal candidates should have expertise in wireless communications, a good understanding of 3GPP protocols, and strong algorithm development abilities. The compensation range is $135,000 to $185,000 based on level and experience, with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, stock options, and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of engineering experience or 5+ years of professional experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with MAC and PHY layer protocols and algorithms used in cellular base stations.
• Experience working with 3GPP protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize wireless systems algorithms at the MAC and PHY layer.
• Design and simulate complex MAC layer scheduling algorithms.
• Analyze inter‑cell and inter‑beam interference and propose solutions.
• Run simulations to compare performance of different algorithms.

Skills

Technical expertise in wireless communication systems

Knowledge of 3GPP RAN protocols (4G/5G/6G)

Fluency in MATLAB

Knowledge of Python and/or C/C++

Analytical and debugging skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline

Master's degree or PhD in wireless communication systems

Job description

Wireless Systems Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Sunnyvale, CA

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

As a Wireless Systems Engineer for Starlink Mobile you will design and develop wireless communications algorithms that maximize system performance for the Starlink Mobile satellite constellation and future networks. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in wireless communication systems, strong knowledge of 3GPP RAN protocols (4G/5G/6G), and an interest in building production algorithms that get deployed at global scale.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize wireless systems algorithms at the MAC and PHY layer for link adaptation, power control, timing advance, and Doppler tracking.
• Design and simulate complex MAC layer scheduling algorithms that support joint scheduling of users across multiple beams subject to Quality of Service (QoS) and latency constraints.
• Analyze inter‑cell and inter‑beam interference on uplink and downlink, identify on‑orbit issues, and propose solutions via beam planning optimizations, MAC layer scheduling improvements, or advanced signal processing techniques.
• Run link‑level and system‑level simulations to compare performance of different algorithms at all layers of the protocol stack.
• Work directly with software engineers to implement algorithms and deploy them to orbit.
• Qualify algorithm performance in production through aggregate KPI analysis, high‑rate per TTI telemetry, and UE log analysis.
• Develop high‑fidelity models for non‑terrestrial wireless systems that leverage 3GPP defined protocols (4G/5G/6G).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline with 1+ year of engineering experience (internship/project experience acceptable); or 5+ years of professional engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with MAC and PHY layer protocols and algorithms used in cellular base stations.
• Experience working with 3GPP protocols.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in wireless communication systems.
• Experience with system design or implementation of MAC and PHY algorithms for cellular systems.
• Prior experience debugging issues for a production wireless network deployed at scale.
• Prior experience with link‑level simulations that characterize physical layer decode performance under different channel models.
• Prior experience with system‑level simulation of a communications network modeling inter‑cell and inter‑user interference.
• Fluent in MATLAB and working knowledge of Python and/or C/C++.
• Strong debugging, performance optimization, and data analysis skills; 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

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 – $155,000.00 per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $155,000.00 – $185,000.00 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 comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks. You may accrue three weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Legal and EEO Statement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR.

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 or interview process should reach out to [e-mail].