DSP Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

DSP ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.

As a DSP engineer on the Starlink Space Laser team, you will work with a team of Optical engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and end users to shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications in low earth orbit and beyond. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive program-level decisions on firmware and software designs
• Research novel solutions for large-scale, long-distance free space and fiber optic communication systems
• Design and test algorithms for on-orbit and ground-based data processing
• Work in close collaboration with FPGA, RF/antenna, and software engineers to design and validate communication systems
• Perform on-orbit demonstrations and testing
• System-level and link-level design in support of spacecraft communications and sensing systems
• Develop floating-point and fixed-point models and run simulations to analyze and validate overall system performance, including modem performance
• Own the end-to-end results of your products, from requirements gathering through production and flight, including verification and documentation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering and 1+ years of experience in digital signal processing engineering; or 3+ years of professional digital signal processing engineering experience in lieu of a degree
• 1+ years of experience designing and verifying modems and sensors
• 1+ years of experience developing signal processing algorithms in Python, Matlab, or C/C++
• 1+ years of experience in system-level modeling and/or digital signal processing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in communication systems or digital signal processing
• Expertise modeling with both floating-point and fixed-point signal processing algorithms in Python, Matlab, or C/C++
• Experience in coherent digital demodulation of waveforms such as GMSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, PCM/FM, APSK, OFDM, including spread spectrum
• Experience developing firmware for Xilinx FPGA platforms using the Xilinx toolchain, or STM32
• Experience with verification between simulation and RTL FPGA implementation
• Experience modeling RF and Optical and channel impairments such as multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading and nonlinear distortion
• Understanding of RF and Optical concepts such as AGC, noise figure, power amplifiers, phase noise, PLL, oscillators/mixers
• Understanding of RF and Optical link budgets and noise analysis, intermodulation analysis, and trade-offs of frequency conversion topologies
• Familiarity with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and signal generators
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

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. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.