RFIC Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

About the role

This position focuses on developing next-generation radio frequency integrated circuits for government-focused space and ground infrastructure. You will join the Starshield team to support national security missions by iterating rapidly from initial design to operational deployment. The role demands ownership of full design cycles, ensuring rigorous validation and optimization of RFICs in demanding operational environments. You will act as a key technical contributor, driving innovation at the silicon level for critical space-based applications. Success in this position requires a disciplined approach to verification and a commitment to delivering high-performance prototypes on schedule. You will interface with cross-functional partners to align hardware capabilities with evolving mission requirements. This role is integral to advancing the state of the art in RF communications for aerospace and defense.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, model, and simulate mixed-signal, analog, and RF circuits using advanced methodologies.
• Define precise specifications for RFIC systems and individual circuit blocks to meet stringent performance targets.
• Build circuits leveraging GaN, GaAs, SiGe, or CMOS processes, selecting the optimal technology for mission needs.
• Collaborate closely with ASIC, DSP, and modem engineers to partition system functions efficiently between software and hardware.
• Manage IC layout and floor planning to ensure signal integrity, power integrity, and manufacturability.
• Oversee prototype packaging, parasitic modeling, and product release to transition designs from lab to field.
• Characterize prototype designs under various conditions and assist in building automated lab test setups for scalability.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to qualify components, ensuring robust processes for high-volume production.
• Conduct trade studies and failure analysis to refine designs and eliminate performance bottlenecks.
• Establish test protocols and measurement procedures to validate functionality against rigorous aerospace standards.
• Support the integration of RFICs into larger satellite and ground system platforms.
• Document design decisions, simulation results, and test outcomes for technical reviews and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of quality and innovation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design tools, flows, and verification strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 1 year of professional experience with RF integrated circuits in a relevant engineering role.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active government security clearance as required for the position.
• Willingness to comply with SpaceX policies regarding confidentiality, data protection, and export controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex RF engineering challenges.
• Commitment to working within a regulated defense environment with strict compliance requirements.

Nice to have

• Master degree or PhD in computer or electrical engineering, specifically in mixed-signal, analog, or RF IC design.
• Proficiency with simulation software such as Momentum, HFSS, ADS, or Spectre for advanced modeling.
• Experience designing non-linear and linear circuits, including filters, mixers, oscillators, vector modulators/demodulators, and phase-locked loops.
• Understanding of RF transceiver architectures and digital communication techniques like QAM, APSK, QPSK, multi-carrier, and spread spectrum.
• Expertise in MMIC design and RF front-end theory for S-band through W-band frequencies.
• Ability to use microwave test equipment, including network analyzers, vector signal generators, vector signal analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
• Background in characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies with real-world test data.

Practical notes

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Salary: Level I ($125,000 to $145,000); Level II ($145,000 to $175,000).

• Active security clearance holders receive a 10 percent differential, up to $20,000 annually, once briefed into a classified program.
• Total rewards include stock options, company stock, or long-term cash awards, plus discretionary bonuses and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Expect to work weekends and long hours during critical project phases.
• Travel is required for off-site testing, which may involve extended periods away from home.
• Active clearance holders are subject to random drug and alcohol testing as part of ongoing security protocols.
• This role is based in a government-contractor environment where adherence to strict schedules and technical milestones is essential.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country listed in the key facts section without requiring sponsorship for employment authorization.