Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)
SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Redmond, WA, United States
Redmond, WA
Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)
SpaceX is seeking a motivated and technically excellent Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer to develop cutting‑edge RF modules for deployment into the Starlink Mobile network. Responsibilities include the specification, material‑selection, design, simulation, integration, fabrication, production, measurement, debugging, and optimization of compact, multi‑chip modules (MCMs) containing custom RF front‑end components. This role supports the performance and capabilities of Starlink Mobile.
Responsibilities
Design and develop RF front‑end MCMs for 5G NR, LTE, and Wi‑Fi applications.
Integrate RFICs (PAs, LNAs, switches), power management ICs, BAW/SAW filters, printed passives, and SMDs into compact MCMs.
Design custom passives (inductors, couplers, etc.) printed into module laminates.
Specify RFIC and BAW filter performances; define pin‑to‑pin lineups, linearity performances, and coupling specifications of RF modules.
Work closely with BAW filter designers, RFIC designers, and package/layout engineers in module floor‑planning.
Perform detailed circuit and EM simulations, and co‑simulation of the full module with sub‑components.
Conduct lab bring‑up, characterization, and debugging of module prototypes; drive learnings into improving and optimizing subsequent prototype iterations.
Manage laminate and assembly suppliers.
Develop ATE test plans and coordinate with OSAT teams on implementation.
Support the integration of RF modules into production PCBAs.
Perform yield analysis and implement design improvements for high‑volume production.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/Microwave engineering or RFIC engineering.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits/systems, BAW/SAW resonators, advanced semiconductor packaging, or electromagnetic theory.
Experience designing multi‑chip RF modules for cellular or Wi‑Fi applications.
Familiar with MCM substrate/packaging technologies (e.g., double‑sided BGA) and manufacturing processes.
Thorough understanding of RF passive components and EM principles.
Experience designing linear and non‑linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and PLLs.
Proficiency in module/RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR (or similar tools).
Experience in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems.
Knowledge of radio‑related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
Experience characterizing radio performance for cellular and Wi‑Fi systems.
Python programming experience for test automation.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet critical project milestones.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay range: RFIC Design Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 – $225,000 per year.
Base salary is just one part of the total rewards package at SpaceX. In addition to salary, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, company stock, stock options, cash awards, discretionary bonuses, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, various discounts and perks, three weeks of paid vacation, up to ten paid holidays per year, and an exempt employee sick leave allowance. The level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Required Authorizations
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible for required U.S. Department of State authorizations as per export regulations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment 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/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)
SpaceX is seeking a motivated and technically excellent Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer to develop cutting‑edge RF modules for deployment into the Starlink Mobile network. Responsibilities include the specification, material‑selection, design, simulation, integration, fabrication, production, measurement, debugging, and optimization of compact, multi‑chip modules (MCMs) containing custom RF front‑end components. This role supports the performance and capabilities of Starlink Mobile.
Responsibilities
Design and develop RF front‑end MCMs for 5G NR, LTE, and Wi‑Fi applications.
Integrate RFICs (PAs, LNAs, switches), power management ICs, BAW/SAW filters, printed passives, and SMDs into compact MCMs.
Design custom passives (inductors, couplers, etc.) printed into module laminates.
Specify RFIC and BAW filter performances; define pin‑to‑pin lineups, linearity performances, and coupling specifications of RF modules.
Work closely with BAW filter designers, RFIC designers, and package/layout engineers in module floor‑planning.
Perform detailed circuit and EM simulations, and co‑simulation of the full module with sub‑components.
Conduct lab bring‑up, characterization, and debugging of module prototypes; drive learnings into improving and optimizing subsequent prototype iterations.
Manage laminate and assembly suppliers.
Develop ATE test plans and coordinate with OSAT teams on implementation.
Support the integration of RF modules into production PCBAs.
Perform yield analysis and implement design improvements for high‑volume production.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/Microwave engineering or RFIC engineering.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits/systems, BAW/SAW resonators, advanced semiconductor packaging, or electromagnetic theory.
Experience designing multi‑chip RF modules for cellular or Wi‑Fi applications.
Familiar with MCM substrate/packaging technologies (e.g., double‑sided BGA) and manufacturing processes.
Thorough understanding of RF passive components and EM principles.
Experience designing linear and non‑linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and PLLs.
Proficiency in module/RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR (or similar tools).
Experience in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems.
Knowledge of radio‑related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
Experience characterizing radio performance for cellular and Wi‑Fi systems.
Python programming experience for test automation.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet critical project milestones.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay range: RFIC Design Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 – $225,000 per year.
Base salary is just one part of the total rewards package at SpaceX. In addition to salary, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, company stock, stock options, cash awards, discretionary bonuses, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, various discounts and perks, three weeks of paid vacation, up to ten paid holidays per year, and an exempt employee sick leave allowance. The level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Required Authorizations
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible for required U.S. Department of State authorizations as per export regulations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment 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/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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