This role pays less than
63%
of similar roles. Most pay
$142,080–$197,562
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$148k
versus about
$170k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
788 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 555 roles with salary data.
As an Embedded Software Engineer, RF Payloads (Starshield), you will join a collaborative team of engineers to develop advanced capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. You will drive program-level decisions on RF system designs, research novel solutions for large-scale satellite systems, and create electromagnetic simulation models. Your daily work involves designing, building, and automating modular RF test infrastructure and sequences using Python and C++. You will also validate custom hardware components like filters and amplifiers while utilizing tools such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and high-speed oscilloscopes. The role requires proficiency in Linux and Windows environments to solve complex technical problems related to government-focused earth observation and hosted payloads. Essential skills include experience with radio test equipment, antenna systems, and software design principles for robust system integration.
What does a Embedded Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $177300 from 36 postings across 11 companies.
Drive program-level decisions regarding RF system designs.
Research novel solutions for large-scale satellite RF systems.
Design, build, and automate RF test benches using equipment like VNAs and signal generators.
Develop modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and automation sequences in Python and C++.
Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to evaluate performance.
Validate RF systems in collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineering teams.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or another engineering discipline.
1+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python.
1+ years of professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
1+ years of professional RF experience with antennas or communication systems.
Master's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline (preferred).
Experience testing active/passive RF devices, common RF concepts, software design principles, and environmental test methodologies (preferred).
Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Python
C++
DSP
FPGA
VNA
VSG
VSA
Spectrum Analyzers
Electromagnetic Simulation
Linux
Windows
Version Control
Integration Testing
Test Automation
S-parameters
Communication Systems
Python
C++
VNA
VSG
VSA
Spectrum Analyzers
FPGA
DSP
Electromagnetic Simulation
Linux
Windows
Integration Testing
Configuration Management
Version Control
S-parameters
Python
C++
DSP
FPGA
VNA
VSG
VSA
Spectrum Analyzers
Electromagnetic Simulation
Integration Testing
Configuration Management
Version Control
Linux
Windows
S-parameters
C++
Python
C
Linux
TCP
UDP
ARM
PowerPC
x86
Machine Learning
Unit Testing
Hardware-in-the-loop
Computer Architecture
Networking Protocols
Data Processing
Simulation