RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CUSTOMER HARDWARE (STARLINK)
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Job Description
About SpaceX:
SpaceX was founded on the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we don’t. The company is actively developing technologies to make this a reality, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. Currently, SpaceX is leveraging its expertise in rocket and spacecraft development to deploy Starlink, a global broadband internet system.
Job Description: RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CUSTOMER HARDWARE (STARLINK)
SpaceX’s Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing high-speed internet to over 4 million users globally. The company designs, builds, tests, and operates all aspects of the system: thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that integrates them. This position is for an RF Software Engineer to contribute to Starlink’s continued expansion and impact.
Responsibilities:
• Develop RF software: Design and build RF-focused functionality and calibration/test software for customer wireless hardware operation and production. This includes writing code in C#, C/C++, or Python.
• RF Test Setup and Validation: Design, build, validate, and automate RF test setups for thorough characterization of custom RF designs. This involves using various lab equipment like vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and more.
• Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers, as well as end-users, to design and validate RF systems.
• Rapid Iteration: The role demands a fast-paced, iterative approach, moving quickly from design and demo to operational capability.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science.
• 1+ years of professional development experience in C#, C/C++, or Python (internship experience is applicable).
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, etc.).
Preferred Skills and Experience:
• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science.
• Strong understanding of electronics, RF communications, physics, and math.
• Experience testing active and passive RF devices (filters, amplifiers, mixers, upconverters/downconverters).
• Familiarity with RF concepts (gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, input/output matching).
• Knowledge of SOLID software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing.
• Experience with environmental test methodologies and equipment (thermal chambers).
• Troubleshooting experience with software/hardware interactions (network devices, lab instrumentation).
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Experience with configuration management and version control software.
Additional Requirements:
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Must meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, or eligibility for necessary authorizations).
