Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer; Direct To Cell

Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Direct To Cell)

Sunnyvale, CA

Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting, and we are actively developing the technologies to make this possible, ultimately enabling human life on Mars. The Direct‑to‑Cell program seeks to deliver global cellular connectivity from space.

As a wireless firmware engineer you will play a critical role in developing novel wireless signal‑processing algorithms, implementing optimized software for satellites and ground stations, debugging complex systems, and delivering production software. You will collaborate closely with wireless systems engineers and protocol firmware engineers to accelerate wireless PHY development and solve interdisciplinary challenges.

• Design and implement physical layer (PHY) algorithms for satellite‑based 4G/5G (LTE/) eNodeB/gNodeB.
• Develop optimized signal‑processing algorithms running on resource‑constrained CPUs.
• Create models and run simulations to analyze and validate overall system performance, including modem performance.
• Design, implement, test, maintain, and document the wireless PHY and MAC layers of the protocol stack.
• Identify and debug complex performance issues across the wireless PHY and MAC layers.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews, and contribute to system dimensioning and algorithm design for next‑generation hardware.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in wireless signal processing, modem systems design, wireless systems engineering, DSP (digital signal processing), or physical‑layer processing (L1).
• 5+ years of C/C++ coding experience.

• Familiarity with 3
  
  GPP 4G/5G (LTE/) physical‑layer design or modern broadband OFDM waveforms (WiMAX, 802.11 Wi‑Fi, DVB‑S2, DVB‑C, 5G NTN).
• Familiarity with forward‑error‑correction (FEC) coding concepts.
• Basic familiarity with MAC layer (medium‑access control, L2).
• Experience developing and optimizing complex signal‑processing algorithms in both fixed‑ and floating‑point.
• Comfortable with Linux command line, git‑based version control, and Python programming.
• Experience supporting products through the full release cycle, including commercial deployment.
• Strong debugging and performance‑optimization skills; excellent analytical, engineering fundamentals, verbal, and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Senior: $ – $ per year

Your level and base salary will be determined case‑by‑case based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Space

X offers long‑term incentives (stock, options or awards), possible discretionary bonuses, and a stock purchase plan. Health, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts are included. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees receive 5 days of sick leave per year.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or otherwise authorized to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations. Learn more about ITAR.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected class.

Applicants wishing to view Space

X’s affirmative‑action plan or requiring reasonable accommodations can contact