Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA · USD 165,000-270,000 · 5+ years experience · Posted Oct 1, 2026

At a glance

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. RF Silicon Software Engineer to create low-level software infrastructure for custom RF silicon used in Starlink satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals.
The role involves bringing new silicon to life, bridging the hardware and embedded software boundary within a multidisciplinary team.

Bring up new RF silicon as the first engineer to power up chips for the very first time
Design and build modular, reusable production-ready software driver libraries for low-level silicon control with special attention to timing, throughput, performance, and simplicity
Design and build hardware test platforms (hardware-in-the-loop/HTIL/HIL), create automated integration and regression tests, and validate silicon driver software on physical hardware or FPGA emulators
Support software integration into multiple project-specific flight software teams such as satellite phased-arrays and user terminal production

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
5+ years of professional development experience in C, C++, or Python
Ability to work extended hours and weekends to meet critical milestones as needed
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Professional experience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications or projects
Solid engineering fundamentals and knowledge of basic electronics, math, physics, and RF communication systems
Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
Creative approach to problem-solving and exceptional analytical skills
Hands-on experience troubleshooting embedded software using common lab equipment such as power supplies, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes
Familiarity with reading schematics and PCB layouts
Familiarity with FPGA design, HDLs (SystemVerilog, etc.) and low-level register access
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year

Company shuttles are offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday