Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

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.SR. PDK ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.Join the Starlink/Akoustis Filter Design Team as a Senior PDK Software Engineer. In this role you lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs), drive software innovation and AI-enabled automation, and build scalable design infrastructure. You partner closely with RF designers, process engineers, software developers, manufacturing engineers, and automation teams to modernize the XBAW filter design flow and raise engineering productivity through data-driven methods.RESPONSIBILITIES:Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) that support complete RF filter design flows across EDA tools including Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS, delivering reliable end-to-end design capability within the first 6–12 monthsArchitects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing that ensure consistent, high-quality releases across process revisionsDevelops technology files, parameterized cells (PCells), device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints that accurately capture manufacturing rules and accelerate design cyclesBuilds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows that automate repetitive design tasks, PDK validation, design-rule generation, parameter optimization, anomaly detection, and documentation, measurably improving engineering productivityDevelops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal engineering infrastructure for process monitoring, model validation, and design analyticsCollaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants that reduce iteration time and raise design efficiencyTranslates Design Rule Manuals and process documentation into robust, maintainable, automated PDK implementations and creates validation suites that verify device models, parasitic extraction, physical verification, and process consistencyEvaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflowsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design3+ years of object-oriented programming experiencePREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or software engineeringAdvanced Python and C++ programming experienceExperience creating custom PCells, layout generators, technology files, DRC/LVS rule decks, and device modelsExperience with microwave, RF, MEMS, or XBAW filter technologiesExperience with electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSSExperience developing desktop applications, APIs, and scalable engineering software platformsExperience with software architecture, design patterns, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testingExperience applying machine learning or AI techniques (including LLMs, AI agents, prompt engineering, or RAG) to engineering workflows.Experience building AI-powered automation tools that improve design productivityExperience with scientific computing libraries such as Jupyter, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and scikit-learnExperience with PDK integration, validation, regression testing, and release managementExperience with semiconductor process technologies, statistical process variation, and physical verification methodologiesExperience with piezoelectric devices, MEMS, SAW, BAW, or XBAW technologiesExperience with multiphysics simulation and thermal modelingADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Willing to work long hours and weekends as neededMust be willing to work onsite, remote work not consideredITAR 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. 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 reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.