RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted: today

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k

This role $135k

$117k most similar roles pay here $201k

This role pays less than 65% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$192,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $135k versus about $164k 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 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

Apply Now Log in to save

As a RF Software Engineer on the Starshield team, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of engineers to develop and validate custom RF designs for advanced communications and remote sensing systems in low Earth orbit. Your daily tasks include designing and building automated test benches using Python and C++, creating electromagnetic simulation models, and validating RF devices such as filters and amplifiers. You must have experience with radio test equipment like VNAs, VSGs, VSAs, and spectrum analyzers, along with a strong background in software design principles and environmental testing methodologies. This role requires an active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain one, and it involves working on highly sensitive US National Security projects at scale.

Skills

Python C++ Vector Signal Generators Vector Signal Analyzers Spectrum Analyzers Network Analyzers High-Speed Oscilloscopes Electromagnetic Simulation Models Software Design Principles Unit Testing Integration Testing Linux Windows

What you'll do

Design, build, and validate RF test benches using various lab equipment.
Develop modular, scalable RF test infrastructure in Python and C++.
Create electromagnetic simulation models to evaluate hardware performance.
Automate design validation, qualification, and production processes.
Test active and passive RF devices under environmental conditions.

What we're looking for

1+ years of professional experience in C/C++ or Python
1+ years of professional RF test equipment experience (spectrum analyzers, VNA, etc.)
Master's degree in electrical engineering or related field
Experience with active and passive RF device testing
Knowledge of common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters
Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain one

Save