SpaceX

Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX • $120K — $145K *
Bastrop, TX 78602In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design
  • 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience
  • Master's degree in a related engineering discipline (preferred)
  • Advanced knowledge in Python and C++ (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Design and enhance Process Design Kits (PDKs) for RF filter design flows across key EDA tools
  • Architect scalable software frameworks for consistent PDK generation and validation
  • Develop various components including technology files, PCells, and design rules to speed up design cycles
  • Create AI-assisted tools and workflows that automate repetitive tasks and improve design productivity
  • Develop software applications that integrate PDK with engineering infrastructure
  • Collab with RF designers to eliminate workflow bottlenecks and improve design efficiency
  • Translate design rules into automated PDK implementations and validation suites
  • Evaluate and deploy advanced AI technologies to optimize workflows

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in a high-impact area like satellite communications
  • Collaboration with a diverse team of experts across multiple engineering disciplines
  • Engagement in innovative projects that incorporate AI and automation
  • A chance to be at the forefront of RF filter technology development
  • Commitment to professional growth through hands-on experience and unique project exposure
Full Job Description
SR. PDK ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)

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 months
  • Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing that ensure consistent, high-quality releases across process revisions
  • Develops 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 cycles
  • Builds 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 productivity
  • Develops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal engineering infrastructure for process monitoring, model validation, and design analytics
  • Collaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants that reduce iteration time and raise design efficiency
  • Translates 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 consistency
  • Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design
  • 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering
  • Advanced Python and C++ programming experience
  • Experience creating custom PCells, layout generators, technology files, DRC/LVS rule decks, and device models
  • Experience with microwave, RF, MEMS, or XBAW filter technologies
  • Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSS
  • Experience developing desktop applications, APIs, and scalable engineering software platforms
  • Experience with software architecture, design patterns, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing
  • Experience 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 productivity
  • Experience with scientific computing libraries such as Jupyter, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and scikit-learn
  • Experience with PDK integration, validation, regression testing, and release management
  • Experience with semiconductor process technologies, statistical process variation, and physical verification methodologies
  • Experience with piezoelectric devices, MEMS, SAW, BAW, or XBAW technologies
  • Experience with multiphysics simulation and thermal modeling

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
  • Must be willing to work onsite, remote work not considered


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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
Learn more about SpaceX
Size
8,000 employees
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
2002
* Ladders Estimates

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