SR. MMIC DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING): At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, gateways, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious MMIC Design 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 MMICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES: - Derive hardware specifications for the RF system and MMIC blocks
- Develop MMIC products from initial specification to mass production and ensure full compatibility in all aspects of implementation in the system
- Simulate/model MMIC front end circuits (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, switches) at the circuit level and electromagnetic level, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
- Determine how to package and implement MMIC's, and work with RF engineers and PCB designers to develop packages and/or modules
- Evaluate, characterize, and analyze full performance of MMIC prototypes
- Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements
- Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of MMIC components and RF systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design
- Experience with GaAs and/or GaN MMIC design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs, including full circuit design and layout
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: - MS or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in MMIC design, RF/microwave circuits, and/or electromagnetic theory
- Deep understanding of theory and MMIC design of RF front end blocks, from S-band to E-band frequency ranges
- RF/microwave design tool experience using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
- RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range
- Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers, load pull and probe stations at millimeter wave frequencies
- Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
- Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
- Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools
- Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling, analyzing and automating RF systems
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
