SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, PHASED ARRAY TEST (STARLINK)

SpaceX is looking for an engineer that has experience in both RF systems and software development for its Starlink phased array antenna team in the Seattle area. This role is very hands where you will be interacting with phased array antenna hardware doing firmware and test development. This includes the design of tests necessary to demonstrate proper RF/antenna functionality in a fully digital beamforming array system. In this role, you will be part of a larger team comprised of EE/antenna/manufacturing engineers that are responsible for validation and debugging of high performance phased arrays used in the Starlink constellation and consumer products.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a RF software engineer on the phased array team, you will be responsible for developing tools and software for automated test equipment control, data collection, and analysis. The test software you will be developing will often be for uniquely developed tests to investigate the performance of the phased array system. The software will frequently interact with both SpaceX hardware and third party test equipment and include a combination of firmware and high-level programming. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Design and build unique and technically challenging automated measurement systems, including both hardware and software design
• Write automation software to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems
• Analyze collected data and collaborate with RF/antenna engineers to understand device performance and help resolve design issues
• Root cause test failures to ensure issues are fully understood and to provide design recommendations for the product to increase reliability and yield
• Propose and develop a longer-term software architecture for automated test infrastructure, encompassing instrument control, data capture, data analysis and data organization
• Interact regularly with senior leadership to influence the fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial concept development to full-scale production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or physics
• 2+ years of professional experience in software development in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well within a fast-paced team
• Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
• Experience with data management, analysis, and presentation techniques
• Experience with antenna measurement systems such as near field planer and spherical scanners, reverb chambers, etc.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills (both software and hardware)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging RF electronics (WiFi routers, phased arrays, modems)
• Experience testing products to meet FCC, IEC, ETSI, EU and international standards
• Experience with both Windows and Linux system usage/administration  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

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/ethnicity, 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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.