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Sr. RFIC Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Sunnyvale, CA, United States


Location
Sunnyvale, CA

Job Title
SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

Overview
SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and is expanding its Starlink broadband internet system. We design, build, test and operate thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings it all together. We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Analog IC engineer to develop cutting‑edge next‑generation RFICs for space and ground infrastructures worldwide.

Responsibilities

Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed‑signal circuits and systems

Derive specifications for RFIC subsystems and circuits

Develop analog/mixed‑signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes

Work with system architects, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains

Perform IC floor planning and layout

Model package and external parasitic components

Evaluate and characterize prototypes of the design

Characterize and analyze full radio performance

Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements

Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of RFIC components and systems

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science

5+ years of RF integrated circuit experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis on RF/Analog/Mixed‑signal IC design

Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS, or Momentum

Circuit design skills with analysis and simulation of linear and non‑linear circuits including phase‑locked loops, vector modulators/demodulators, oscillators, mixers, filters, low‑noise and power amplifiers

Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi‑carrier techniques, and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK, and QAM

Knowledge of RF transceiver architectures

RF/microwave design experience in the Ku‑band, K‑band and Ka‑band frequency range

Familiarity with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers

Experience characterizing radio performance in microwave frequencies

Additional Requirements

Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

Compensation and Benefits
Pay range: RF/Analog IC Design Engineer/Senior: $170,000 – $230,000 per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for long‑term incentives, company stock, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity Employment
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affidavit Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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