Principal RFIC Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

Principal RFIC Design Engineer (Starshield Silicon) Location: Hawthorne, CA SpaceX is developing the technologies that will make humanity a multiplanetary species. The Starshield team leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts, focusing on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RFIC Engineer on the Starshield team, you will develop cutting‑edge next‑generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures worldwide. The role involves rapid iteration from design and demo to operational capability in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced environment. Responsibilities Design, simulate, and model RF/analog/mixed‑signal circuits and systems. Derive specifications for RFIC subsystems and circuits. Develop analog/mixed‑signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe, GaAs, GaN, 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. Own packaging prototypes, product development, and release to production. Model package and external parasitic components. Evaluate and characterize prototypes. Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements. Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of RFIC components and systems. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. 8+ years of professional 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. Strong circuit design and analysis skills for linear and non‑linear circuits (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. Deep understanding of MMIC design of RF front‑end blocks from S‑band to W‑band. Familiarity with radio test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers). Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies. Additional Requirements Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones. Willingness to travel for off‑site testing. Active clearance may provide the opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing. Compensation and Benefits Pay range: $200,000 - $285,000 per year for a Principal RFIC Engineer. Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually once officially briefed into a classified program. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may be awarded long‑term incentives (stock, stock options, cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and access to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Health benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; and various discounts and perks. Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave accrues in accordance with company policy. Export Compliance Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Opportunity 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 a reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP