Sr. DSP Systems Engineer (Silicon Engineering) Verified today
About the Role
SpaceX is developing next-generation ASICs for Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, ASIC implementation) to create silicon-based RF sensing and communication systems deployed in space and on the ground.
What You'll Do
- Drive program-level decisions on sensor firmware, software, and AI-driven architecture for large-scale RF sensing and satellite broadband systems
- Research and develop novel solutions incorporating advanced digital beamforming, massive MIMO, and direct-to-device technology for on-orbit and ground-based applications
- Design, model, and test algorithms for system-level and link-level performance, including floating-point and fixed-point simulations of modem, beamforming, and sensor data processing
- Collaborate with ASIC, FPGA, RF, antenna, and software engineers to design, validate, and bring up silicon-based RF sensing and communication systems
- Generate spacecraft and consumer equipment specifications, requirements, test procedures, and bit- and cycle-accurate test vectors; support silicon bring-up, on-orbit demonstrations, and system validation
- Analyze overall system performance including link budgets, impairments, and multi-access schemes; implement system test plans under dynamic program needs
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, math, or other STEM discipline
- 5+ years of experience in system-level modeling, digital signal processing, or RF and wireless system design
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in communication systems, digital signal processing, or related fields
- Experience with AI-driven architecture, advanced digital beamforming, massive MIMO, and direct-to-device technologies
- Professional experience working on RF sensors or wireless modems
- Experience modeling RF and channel impairments (multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading, nonlinear distortion) and building system-level simulators
- Expertise in multiple access schemes (TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA), high-data-rate modem design and verification, and wireless standards (LTE, WiFi)
- Proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python; experience with software-defined radios such as GNU Radio
- Strong understanding of link budgets, modem algorithms, hardware architectures, ASIC and FPGA development flows, and lab equipment
- Experience with Git, Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), and cross-functional collaboration
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical project and mission milestones
Compensation
Level 3: $165,000 to $265,000 base salary. Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Additional benefits include long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), potential 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 paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.