Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer (Starlink)

As a Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer at SpaceX, your responsibilities include powering on new RF silicon for the first time, designing and building modular software driver libraries for silicon control, and creating hardware test platforms for validation and testing. You will also integrate software into various production teams, ensuring the smooth operation of satellite phased-arrays and user terminal projects.

To qualify for the Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer role at SpaceX, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science, alongside 5 or more years of professional development experience in C, C++, or Python. A solid understanding of electronics and RF communication systems is also key.

Preferred skills for the Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer position at SpaceX include hands-on experience in developing and debugging real-world applications, a strong foundation in math and physics, and a knack for problem-solving and performance optimization. Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment are also highly valued.

The pay range for a Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer at SpaceX typically falls between $160,000 to $220,000 per year. Actual salaries are determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on an applicant's experience, skills, and educational background.

At SpaceX, Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts. Additionally, they accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation, have access to 10 or more paid holidays annually, and receive 5 days of sick leave.

In your response, detail specific projects you’ve worked on that involved RF silicon development. Discuss the technologies you used, your role in the project, and any challenges you faced and overcame to demonstrate your practical experience.

Describe your systematic approach to debugging, including steps like reproducing issues, analyzing logs, and leveraging tools. Mention any specific examples from your experience that highlight how you resolved complex debugging scenarios.

Talk about factors such as performance, simplicity, and reusability. Illustrate your understanding of how these elements impact overall functionality, citing examples of software libraries you’ve designed or worked with.

Discuss specific hardware-in-the-loop or hardware test platforms you've developed or utilized. Explain how those platforms contributed to validating silicon driver software and any improvements you introduced.

Your answer should reflect on your collaboration experience. Consider discussing real-life instances where you successfully integrated software across different teams and how you facilitated communication and resolved conflicts.

Provide a thorough overview of the problem, your analytical process, the solution you implemented, and the ultimate impact of your work. This demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and technical acumen.

Discuss your commitment to professional development, including attending conferences, participating in relevant online courses, and reviewing current industry publications. This shows your dedication to continuous learning in a fast-paced field.

Elaborate on your understanding of performance optimization, the tools you use, and examples from your previous roles where performance enhancements led to significant improvements in projects.

Share strategies you’ve employed for adaptability, such as agile methodologies or frequent communication with stakeholders. Provide an example where you successfully navigated project changes to deliver results.

Reflect on the innovative challenges the Starlink project presents and how you see your expertise contributing to its success. Mention specific aspects of connecting people worldwide and advancing technology that resonate with you.