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Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX· Starshield Satellite Engineering
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Hawthorne, CA$210k - $340kfull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

RF software engineering role focused on developing and validating RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low Earth orbit, supporting US National Security through SpaceX’s Starshield program.

Responsibilities

  • Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs
  • Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems
  • Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for full characterization of custom RF designs, often involving vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other common lab equipment
  • Design and build modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++ to support design validation, qualification, and production
  • Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
  • Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to design and evaluate performance

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • 8+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python
  • Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
  • RF experience with antennas or communication systems

Skills

Required:C/C++ or PythonRF system designRF test equipment

Benefits

  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • vacation & paid holidays (3 weeks vacation, 10+ paid holidays)
  • employee stock purchase plan
  • discretionary bonuses and long-term incentives
  • other discounts and perks
Last updated Aug 12, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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