RF Software Engineer, Customer Hardware (Starlink)

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.

RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CUSTOMER HARDWARE (STARLINK)

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 that provides fast, reliable internet to 4M+ 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.

As an RF software engineer on the Starlink team, you will work with a team of RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and end users to design and build RF capabilities to deliver high-speed internet to those who need it most. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at a lightning pace.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop RF-focused functionality and calibration/test software for customer wireless hardware operation and production
• Design, build, validate, and automate RF test setups for full characterization of custom RF designs, often involving vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other common lab equipment
• Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science
• 1+ years of professional development experience in C#, C/C++, or Python (internship experience is applicable)
• Experience with RF test equipment, including but not limited to, VNA, spectrum analyzer, etc.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science
• Strong fundamental knowledge of electronics, RF communications, physics, and math
• Experience with testing both active and passive RF devices such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, and upconverters/downconverters
• Familiarity with common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, and input/output matching
• Familiarity with SOLID software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing methodology
• Familiarity with environmental test methodologies and equipment such as thermal chambers and temperature forcing systems
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Familiarity using Windows and Linux operating systems
• Experience with configuration management and version control software

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

RF Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

RF Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.