Principal Engineer, AI Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Bastrop, TX
Posted
35 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $187k
$143k most similar roles pay here $230k

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $152,000–$222,000.

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 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Engineer, AI Satellites

Principal Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) is an RF/Analog IC engineering role focused on developing next-generation RFICs for space and ground infrastructure. Working within cross-disciplinary teams including systems, firmware, and architecture, the engineer will design, simulate, and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems while deriving specifications for RFIC subsystems. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes, performing IC floor planning, modeling parasitic components, and characterizing prototype performance. The role requires expertise in linear and non-linear circuits like phase-locked loops, oscillators, and power amplifiers. Key technical skills include proficiency with simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS, or Momentum, along with knowledge of Ku, K, and Ka-band frequencies. The work supports the Starmind constellation, which utilizes space-based solar energy to power high-performance AI compute for Earth applications.

What does a Engineer earn in Texas?

Median $182925 from 32 postings across 8 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Design, simulate, and model RF, analog, and mixed-signal circuits and systems.
  • Derive technical specifications for RFIC subsystems and components.
  • Develop hardware using SiGe or CMOS processes for space and ground infrastructure.
  • Perform IC floor planning and layout while modeling package and parasitic components.
  • Evaluate and characterize prototypes to analyze full radio performance.
  • Develop automated test lab equipment for measurement and testing.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of RFIC components.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or another engineering discipline.
  • 8+ years of RF integrated circuit experience.
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in RF/Analog/Mixed-signal IC design.
  • Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS, or Momentum.
  • Proficiency in designing and analyzing linear and non-linear circuits like PLLs, modulators, oscillators, mixers, filters, and amplifiers.
  • Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, multi-carrier techniques, and modulation types like QPSK, APSK, and QAM.
  • Experience with RF/microwave design in the Ku-band, K-band, and Ka-band frequency ranges.
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.

More like this

Similar roles

RFIC Engineer, AI Satellites

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX 31 days ago
RFIC ADS HFSS AWR Altium Designer Python Matlab C++ LabVIEW DSP PCB Design Antenna Systems Power Amplifiers Low Noise Amplifiers Mixers Filters PLLs
2+ yrs exp

Senior Electrical Test Engineer, AI Satellites

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX 36 days ago
Python C++ Oscilloscope Spectrum Analyzer Network Analyzer Vector Signal Generator Source Measurement Unit Analog Control Discrete Logic HALT HASS Metrology
5+ yrs exp

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA 52 days ago $175,000$280,000
RFIC Analog IC Mixed-Signal SiGe CMOS Spectre ADS HFSS Momentum Phase-Locked Loops Vector Modulators Oscillators Mixers Filters Power Amplifiers QPSK APSK QAM Spectrum Analyzers Network Analyzers
5+ yrs exp

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

SpaceX

Irvine, CA 52 days ago $165,000$265,000
RFIC Analog IC Mixed-Signal SiGe CMOS Spectre ADS HFSS Momentum Phase-Locked Loops Vector Modulators Oscillators Mixers Filters Power Amplifiers QPSK APSK QAM Spectrum Analyzers Network Analyzers
5+ yrs exp

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

SpaceX

Redmond, WA 52 days ago $165,000$270,000
RFIC Analog IC Mixed-Signal SiGe CMOS Spectre ADS HFSS Momentum Phase-Locked Loops Vector Modulators Oscillators Mixers Filters Power Amplifiers QPSK APSK QAM Spectrum Analyzers Network Analyzers
5+ yrs exp

RFIC Design Engineer

SpaceX

Redmond, WA 52 days ago $125,000$160,000
RFIC Analog IC Mixed-Signal SiGe CMOS Spectre ADS HFSS Momentum Phase-Locked Loops Vector Modulators Mixers Filters Power Amplifiers QPSK APSK QAM Spectrum Analyzers Network Analyzers
2+ yrs exp