Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer; RFIC Engineering

Redmond, WA

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.

SR. RF SILICON SOFTWARE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)

At SpaceX, we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink and Starlink Mobile. Starlink is the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Starlink Mobile network expands Starlink’s vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, the backhaul gateways on the ground, the user terminals that allow customers 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 a motivated and technically excellent Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer to bring new silicon to life by creating the low-level software infrastructure that Starlink’s satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals will use to drive the custom RF silicon. The ideal candidate will have real‑world experience in areas that span the hardware and embedded software boundary. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team with “extreme ownership”, focused on solving challenging problems related to the silicon used in all terrestrial/space-based elements of a high-performance wireless digital communication system.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Bring up new RF silicon as the first engineer to power up chips for the very first time
• Design and build modular, reusable production-ready software driver libraries for low-level silicon control with special attention to 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 that has been used 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 (System Verilog, etc.) and low‑level register access
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• 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 AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $ - $

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis…