Sr. Wireless Systems Engineer

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. WIRELESS SYSTEMS ENGINEER

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 1M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, 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 are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Wireless Systems Engineer, you’ll work to connect the disconnected, extending both Starlink and our Direct to Cell program’s potential reach to billions of devices and customers worldwide. Your impact will be felt daily by not just our global wifi users, but by cellular users connecting everything from hikers in national parks, emergency workers such as firefighters, rural communities, remote sensors and devices, and people and devices in emergency situations. You can learn more about Starlink as well as our recently announced Direct to Cell program here. Below are a few areas you may work on during your time here:

• Cutting-edge network designs capable of connecting thousands of satellites to millions of users in real time.
• Proprietary wireless networking technology for next generation Starlink and 4G-LTE and 5G non-terrestrial network implementations supporting all layers of the protocol stack (L1/L2/L3), running for the first time on hardware in space.
• Infrastructure and tools enabling a highly reliable, software-defined global network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model and simulate non-terrestrial networks. This may involve developing standalone simulators in MatlabTM , Python and/or C/C++ using off-the-shelf simulators like NS-2 to perform analysis on network capacity based on deep theoretical concepts and link budget analysis, to designing waveforms and L1, L2, L3 procedures to improve every aspect of the performance of the complete wireless system.
• Guide internal planning and development with regards to current and future wireless standards for non-terrestrial networks. This would involve support the development of wireless standards through active/passive participation in standardization bodies such as 3GPP.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, wireless systems or computer engineering and 5+ years of professional experience working with wireless technologies; OR 7+ years of professional experience working with wireless technologies in lieu of a degree.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in electrical engineering, wireless systems, computer science or computer engineering.
• Deep and broad experience working on wireless technologies like LTE/5G-NR and/or Wi-Fi (especially 802.11ac and 802.11ax).
• Experience implementing 4G/5G wireless systems.
• Experience working on the development of 3GPP or IEEE standards.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
• 5+ years of professional experience in any of the L1, L2, L3 protocol stack layers in broadband access technologies such as: Wi-Fi, UMTS, LTE or satellite broadband.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Deep knowledge of phase array antennas and RF systems.
• Knowledge of L3 layer networking protocols (UDP, TCP, etc).

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

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 reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.