Principal Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

About the role

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world's largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Analog IC engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of Starmind.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems
• Derive specifications for the 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 the RFIC components and systems

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or another engineering discipline
• 8+ years of RF integrated circuit experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in RF/Analog/Mixed-signal integrated circuit design
• Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS or Momentum
• Circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation of both linear and non-linear circuits such as 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 in the Ku-band, K-band and Ka-band frequency range
• Familiarity with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Experience characterizing radio performance in microwave frequencies

Additional Requirements

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

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.