Principal RFIC Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

About the role

SpaceX is developing the technologies to enable human life on Mars, and the Starshield team applies Starlink’s technology and launch capability to support U.S. national security efforts. As a RFIC Engineer on the Starshield team, you will develop cutting‑edge next‑generation RFICs for space and ground infrastructures, working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment to move from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems
• Derive specifications for the RFIC subsystems and circuits
• Develop analog/mixed-signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe, GaAs, GaN, or CMOS processes
• Work with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Perform IC floor planning and layout
• Own packaging prototypes, product development, and release to production
• Model package and external parasitic components
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes of the design
• Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the RFIC components and systems
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
• Willingness to travel for off-site testing
• Active clearance may provide the opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
• 8+ years of professional RF integrated circuit experience

Skills

• Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in RF/analog/mixed-signal integrated circuit design
• Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS or Momentum
• Circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation of both linear and non-linear circuits such as phase-locked loops, vector modulators/demodulators, oscillators, mixers, filters, low noise and power amplifiers
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
• Knowledge of RF transceiver architectures
• Deep understanding of theory and MMIC design of RF front end blocks, from S-band to W-band frequency ranges
• Familiarity with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Experience characterizing radio performance in microwave frequencies

Benefits

• Pay Range: Level 3: $210,000.00 - $340,000.00 (actual level and base salary determined case‑by‑case based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience)
• Long‑term incentives (company stock or long‑term cash awards) and potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ability to purchase additional stock at a discount)
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation per year
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave accrued per company policy (meets or exceeds legal requirements)
• Active clearance holders receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually once officially briefed into a classified program