Sr. DSP Engineer (Starshield) @ SpaceX
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Sr. DSP Engineer (Starshield)
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
About Starshield:Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. It is designed for government use with a focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
Role Overview
As a Sr. DSP Engineer on the Starshield satellite team, you will provide global connectivity to the US government. You will collaborate with RF, DSP, software, hardware engineers and end users to design, test, and validate large-scale RF sensing systems.
Responsibilities
- Drive program-level decisions on sensor firmware and software designs.
- Research novel solutions for large-scale RF sensing systems.
- Design and test algorithms for on-orbit and ground-based sensor data processing.
- Collaborate with FPGA, RF/antenna, and software engineers to validate systems.
- Perform on-orbit demonstrations and testing.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years in digital signal processing engineering or 7+ years professional experience.
- Experience in system-level modeling and digital signal processing.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering focused on communications or DSP.
- 3+ years working on RF sensors or related systems.
- Experience with modeling RF and channel impairments.
- Familiarity with software-defined radios and frameworks such as GNU Radio.
- Proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python.
- Knowledge of link budgets and RF sensing system analysis.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance.
Additional Requirements
- Active clearance advantageous for sensitive SpaceX missions.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
The pay range for this role is approximately $160,000 to $220,000 per year. In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for long-term incentives, stock options, bonuses, and benefits such as comprehensive medical coverage, a 401(k) plan, paid vacation, and holidays.
ITAR Requirements
Candidates must meet U.S. Government export regulations requirements. This includes criteria such as U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility to obtain required authorizations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and bases employment decisions on merit, competence, and qualifications. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates.
Key skills/competency
- Sr. DSP Engineer (Starshield)
- Digital Signal Processing
- RF Sensing
- Algorithm Design
- System Modeling
- FPGA Integration
- Software-Defined Radio
- MATLAB
- C/C++
- Python
How to Get Hired at SpaceX
🎯 Tips for Getting Hired
- Customize your resume: Highlight DSP and RF skills.
- Research SpaceX: Understand the Starshield mission and projects.
- Showcase practical experience: Include system-level modeling examples.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Practice algorithms and DSP problems.