Wireless Software Engineer (Starlink)

About the Role

SpaceX is deploying Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that integrates them. We are seeking engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses globally.

As a Wireless Software Engineer on these programs, you will solve a range of novel engineering challenges including:

• Firmware, embedded, and signal processing software running on custom hardware for the world’s largest fleet of spacecraft.
• Cutting-edge networking algorithms connecting thousands of satellites to millions of users in real time.
• Infrastructure and tools for a highly reliable, software-defined global network.

Software Engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of their software, including development, testing, and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain physical and MAC layer software of the wireless software stack for the Starlink communications network.
• Participate in architecting current and next-generation Starlink hardware and signal processing algorithms.
• Participate in hardware bring-up, debugging, verification, and launch.
• Work with other teams for cross-layer integration of the end-to-end system.
• Develop prototypes to prove key design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
• Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize product development.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• C or C++ programming experience.
• Experience working with wireless software or network protocols.
• Physical and/or MAC layers in broadband access technologies such as: Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G, or satellite broadband.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software engineering experience, programming with C or C++ in lieu of a degree.
• Strong knowledge of wireless communications, signal processing, and/or network protocols.
• Knowledge of RF systems and fundamentals: noise figure, link budget, non-linearity.
• Experience writing software for RF/mixed-signal integrated circuits and/or systems, such as phase-locked loops, mixers, data converters, RF attenuators.
• Familiarity with design and implementation of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms and techniques: FFT, time and frequency domain equalizer, channel estimation, pilot tracking, digital pre-distortion, Doppler compensation.
• Experience with lab equipment such as RF spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope.
• Creative approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical skills, and strong engineering fundamentals.
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR Requirements: 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.