RFIC Layout Designer; RFIC Engineering

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.

RFIC LAYOUT DESIGNER (RFIC ENGINEERING)

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 and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of 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.

We are seeking motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineers who will work alongside world‑class cross‑disciplinary teams (systems architecture, ASIC design, firmware, pre‑silicon verification, post‑silicon validation, product engineering, manufacturing/production, and more). In this role, you will be part of a team working on multiple silicon projects that are driving more integration, lower power, mixed‑signal architectures and advanced silicon technology for deployment in space and ground infrastructures.

You will be an integral part of the IC design team and lead the discipline of layout at the technical level, and will work with RFIC/mixed‑signal designers on full‑chip layout of custom analog and RFIC designs.

• Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan, including strategies for power and ground distribution and coordination with packaging engineers on pad locations.
• Accurately estimate the schedule for layout work and identify areas of complexity that need early investigation.
• Perform layout of custom RF and analog circuit blocks with attention to matching and minimizing parasitic capacitance.
• Perform design rule checking, electrical rule checking, and layout versus schematic checks, and resolve errors.
• Integrate top‑level layout with electrostatic discharge structures and pad assembly and perform final tape‑out, including density fill, running design for manufacturability checks, and sharing GDS with the foundry.
• Work with EDA suppliers to trial new tools and features.
• Generate guides and demos for team members to showcase improvements in layout technique.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering and 1+ years of professional experience as an IC layout designer; or 3+ years of professional experience with integrated circuit layout design in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. government export permissions.

• Strong analog layout skills.
• Experience in advanced node IC layouts such as 22 nm, 16 nm, 7 nm, 5 nm or below.
• Experience in layout of circuits with frequencies up to 50 GHz.
• Experience in layout of sensitive RF blocks such as low‑noise amplifiers, voltage‑controlled oscillators, and mixers.
• Experience with Skill programming and shell scripting, Perl, Python, or similar languages.
• Experience managing revision control systems and circuit design.
• Understanding of layout considerations for device matching, coupling, and noise isolation.
• Working knowledge of Linux.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on challenging problems.

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.

Pay range:

Layout Designer/Level I: $105,000 – $120,000 per year

Layout Designer/Level II: $115,000 – $145,000 per year

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 just one part…