Silicon Photonics Design Engineer; RFIC Engineering

Redmond, WA

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make a future where humanity explores the stars. Today we are building Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and we need engineers to help maximize its utility for communities and businesses worldwide.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, intellectually curious photonics design engineer to work alongside cross‑disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering) to develop next‑generation PICs for space and ground infrastructure.

• Design, analyze and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and microring modulators, Ge photodiodes, DWDM filters, wave guides, couplers, dividers and polarization‑management circuitry in different integrated platforms such as silicon photonics and In Ga As /InP.
• Derive specifications for the photonics IC systems and circuits.
• Design and model package optical interfaces including edge couplers and grating couplers.
• Be familiar with RF, analog and mixed‑signal circuits.
• Work with system architects, DSP, electro‑optics and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
• Perform IC floor planning and layout.
• Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of a high‑speed optical link solution.
• Assist in the development of automated test‑lab equipment for measurements.
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of PIC circuits and systems.
• Use simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL and HFSS.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science.
• 2+ years of photonics or electro‑optical integrated‑circuit design.

• Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering (with emphasis on electro‑optics IC design), or applied physics.
• Experience using electrical simulation tools such as Spectre and ADS.
• Knowledge of advanced packaging for co‑package optics (CPO) solutions.
• Electrical circuit design skills and experience performing analysis and simulation of linear/non‑linear circuits such as high‑bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low‑noise and power amplifiers.
• Experience working on wide‑band circuit designs supporting high‑speed Ser Des links with >100 Gbps data rate and bandwidth exceeding 10 s of GHz.
• Familiarity with high‑speed Ser Des architecture and modulation schemes such as NRZ/PAM‑4 and link protocols.
• Familiarity with optical and radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high‑speed oscilloscopes and BERTs.
• Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high‑speed optical Ser Des.

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.

Pay range: RFIC Engineer/Level I: $125,000–$145,000 per year. RFIC Engineer/Level II: $145,000–$175,000 per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, discounts and perks. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation, be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays, and exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave.

• To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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, 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 or who require reasonable accommodation may contact