Wireless Firmware Engineer

About the role

In this role, you will play a crucial part in the Starlink Mobile initiative, which aims to provide cellular connectivity from space. Your responsibilities will include developing signal processing algorithms and software tailored for both satellites and ground infrastructure. You will also engage in troubleshooting intricate system performance issues to ensure optimal functionality.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop algorithms for the physical layer of satellite-based 4G/5G LTE and NR gNodeB systems, ensuring robust performance in challenging environments.
• Write efficient signal processing code designed for CPUs with constrained resources, optimizing for both speed and memory usage.
• Conduct simulations to assess and validate the performance of modems and the overall system, ensuring they meet stringent requirements.
• Construct, test, and maintain wireless PHY and MAC layer protocol stacks, contributing to the reliability of the communication systems.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across both PHY and MAC layers, enhancing the overall efficiency of the systems.
• Engage in design reviews, providing insights and recommendations that will shape the architecture of next-generation hardware.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new features and improvements into existing systems.
• Document processes and results, ensuring that knowledge is shared and accessible for future reference and development.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM discipline is essential.
• At least one year of hands-on experience in wireless communications, modem design, digital signal processing (DSP), physical layer processing, or systems engineering related to wireless technologies.
• A minimum of one year of experience in programming with C or C++, demonstrating proficiency in software development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems and identify solutions effectively.
• Familiarity with simulation tools and methodologies for performance validation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to facilitate collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with 3GPP standards for 4G/5G physical layer design, as well as knowledge of OFDM waveforms, including 5G NTN, DVB-S2, DVB-C, 802.11 WiFi, or WiMAX.
• Understanding of forward error correction techniques and their application in wireless communications.
• Experience with MAC layer (Layer 2) operations and protocols, enhancing your ability to contribute to system design.
• Background in optimizing complex signal processing algorithms in both floating-point and fixed-point formats.
• Proficiency in Python, along with experience using git for version control and Linux command line tools for development tasks.
• Experience with software-defined radio, which can enhance your contributions to the team.
• A history of supporting products throughout their entire release cycles, showcasing your ability to see projects from conception to deployment.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in C/C++ programming languages
• Strong knowledge of Python scripting
• Expertise in Wireless PHY/MAC protocols
• Experience in Digital Signal Processing techniques
• Familiarity with 4G/5G LTE/NR technologies
• Proficient in Linux operating systems
• Experience with Git for version control

Practical notes

• Salary ranges from $135,000 to $155,000 for Level I positions and $155,000 to $185,000 for Level II positions, reflecting experience and expertise.
• Compensation packages may include stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits are offered, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and over ten holidays per year.
• Candidates should be prepared to work extended hours as necessary to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Due to ITAR regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to be eligible for this position.

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.