Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

About the role

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

As an engineer on the RFIC team, you will solve challenging problems related to all aspects of the RF silicon that we design in-house. Much of the measurement system software and hardware that you create will be first-generation, supporting RF/RFIC designs well into the future.

• 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

Pay

RF Silicon 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation per year
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year