Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield) Verified today
Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. You will work on advanced development programs in support of US National Security, designing and building RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, exploring unsolved problems and iterating rapidly from design and demo to operational capability.
Responsibilities
- Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs
- Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems
- Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for full characterization of custom RF designs, using vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other lab equipment
- Design and build modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++ to support design validation, qualification, and production
- Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
- Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to design and evaluate performance
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- 8+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python
- Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
- RF experience with antennas or communication systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- Experience with testing both active and passive RF devices such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, and upconverters/downconverters
- Experience with common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, and input/output matching
- Experience with software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing methodology
- Experience 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
- Experience using Windows and Linux operating systems
- Experience with configuration management and version control software
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
Additional Requirements
- An 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
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Compensation
Pay Range: $210,000 to $340,000 annually (Principal level). Base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Benefits include long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays 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 (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.