RFIC Design Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Low trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Irvine, CA
Salary: $125,000–$160,000 / yr
Posted: 52 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $188k

This role $142k

$113k most similar roles pay here $236k

This role pays less than 86% of similar roles. Most pay $159,000–$216,250 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $142k versus about $188k 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 680 open roles on FindRole.

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

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At a glance

TL;DR · RFIC Design Engineer

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RFIC Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering) is a role within the RFIC Engineering team focused on developing next-generation RFICs for space and ground infrastructures. The engineer will design, simulate, and model RF, analog, and mixed-signal circuits while deriving specifications for subsystems. Daily responsibilities include developing circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes, performing IC floor planning and layout, modeling package parasitics, and characterizing prototype performance. The role involves collaborating with system architects and ASIC engineers to partition hardware and software functions. Key technical requirements include proficiency in tools like Spectre, ADS, HFSS, or Momentum, along with experience in Ku-band, K-band, and Ka-band frequencies. Candidates must possess skills in linear and non-linear circuits such as phase-locked loops, oscillators, and power amplifiers while understanding digital communication systems like QPSK and QAM to solve connectivity challenges for the Starlink network.

Skills

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

What you'll do

Design, simulate, and model RF, analog, and mixed-signal circuits and systems.
Derive technical specifications for RFIC subsystems and individual circuits.
Develop hardware components using SiGe or CMOS fabrication processes.
Perform IC floor planning and layout while modeling package and parasitic components.
Evaluate and characterize physical prototypes of the designed integrated circuits.
Analyze full radio performance across microwave frequency ranges.
Develop automated test lab equipment for precise measurement and testing.
Coordinate with manufacturing engineers on production testing and component qualification.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
2+ 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 simulating 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 Ku-band, K-band, and Ka-band frequencies.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.

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