Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer

About the role

SpaceX is seeking skilled engineers who possess a blend of electrical engineering expertise and software development capabilities to develop custom RF silicon solutions. In this position, you will navigate the intersection of hardware and software, engaging in tasks that range from conducting RF measurements and automation to developing embedded firmware. You will be part of a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the entire silicon lifecycle, which includes everything from defining initial system requirements to chip design, characterization, scaling for production, and analyzing performance data from satellites in orbit.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Initiate the power-up process for newly manufactured RF chips and take charge of the initial bring-up procedures.
• Develop modular and reusable software driver libraries that facilitate low-level control of silicon, focusing on timing precision, throughput, and ease of use.
• Design hardware-in-the-loop testing platforms to validate silicon drivers against actual hardware or FPGA emulators.
• Collaborate with flight software teams to integrate driver software with satellite phased-array systems and user terminal production lines.
• Create software and hardware for first-generation measurement systems that will support future RF and RFIC designs.
• Conduct thorough testing and validation of RF silicon to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Analyze and interpret performance data from RF systems in operation, providing insights for future design improvements.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to align on project goals and timelines, ensuring communication across departments.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development using programming languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• A readiness to work extended hours and weekends when project deadlines necessitate additional effort.
• Proven experience in developing software for embedded systems or hardware-related applications.
• Familiarity with RF communication principles and related technologies.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on debugging and performance optimization.

Nice to have

• Practical experience in developing, debugging, and deploying software for real-world applications or systems.
• A solid foundation in electronics, mathematics, physics, and RF communication fundamentals.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a creative and analytical mindset.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities, facilitating clear interactions with team members and stakeholders.
• Comfort in a dynamic work environment where priorities may change rapidly.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in programming languages: C, C++, Python
• Experience with RF measurement systems
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing platforms
• Knowledge of FPGA emulators
• Skills in embedded firmware development
• Expertise in low-level hardware driver design

Practical notes

• The salary range for this position is between $160,000 and $225,000 annually; actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, education, and skills.
• The compensation package includes eligibility for long-term incentives such as company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, along with potential discretionary bonuses and access to a discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits offered include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Paid time off includes approximately three weeks of vacation accrual, ten or more paid holidays each year, and five days of sick leave for exempt employees.
• Due to ITAR regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, or must be able to obtain the necessary authorization from the U.S. Department of State.
• Candidates requiring accommodations during the application or interview process are encouraged to reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.