Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering) Verified today
About the Role
SpaceX is deploying Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation providing broadband internet globally, and Starlink Mobile for space-based cellular connectivity. We design, build, test, and operate satellites, ground gateways, user terminals, and the software integrating them all.
We are seeking a Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer to create the low-level software infrastructure that drives custom RF silicon across Starlink satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. You will work at the hardware and embedded software boundary, joining a multidisciplinary team solving high-performance wireless digital communication challenges.
Responsibilities
- Bring up new RF silicon as the first engineer to power up chips for the first time
- Design and build modular, reusable production-ready software driver libraries for low-level silicon control, focusing on timing, throughput, performance, and simplicity
- Design and build hardware test platforms (hardware-in-the-loop/HTIL/HIL), create automated integration and regression tests, 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 in real-world applications or projects
- Solid engineering fundamentals and knowledge of basic 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
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting embedded software using common lab equipment such as power supplies, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes
- Familiarity with reading schematics and PCB layouts
- Familiarity with FPGA design, HDLs (SystemVerilog, etc.) and low-level register access
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends to meet critical milestones as needed
Compensation
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $270,000.00 base salary. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR Requirement
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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.