Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
Open in 2 locations
SpaceX posts this job separately for each location. Apply to the one where you can work: the team, schedule and pay can differ between locations.
California
1 open- $135,000–$155,000/yr
Palo Alto, CA, United States (opens on this page)
Posted 5mo ago
Washington
1 open- $125,000–$145,000/yr
Redmond, WA, United States (opens on this page)
Posted 5mo ago
About the job
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. ## WIRELESS FIRMWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE) The Starlink Mobile program is working to provide global cellular connectivity from space.
As a wireless firmware engineer, you will play a critical role in developing novel wireless signal processing algorithms, implementing optimized software for use on satellites and ground stations, debugging complex systems and performance issues, and developing production software.
This is a unique position which will work closely with both wireless systems engineers and protocol firmware engineers to accelerate wireless PHY development and find solutions to interdisciplinary challenges.
The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable with wireless signal processing algorithms and high-performance software development. ## RESPONSIBILITIES: - Design and implement physical layer (PHY) algorithms for satellite-based 4G/5G (LTE/NR) eNodeB/gNodeB. - Develop optimized signal processing algorithms running on resource-constrained CPUs. - Develop models and run simulations to analyze and validate overall system performance, including modem performance. - Design, implement, test, maintain, and document the wireless PHY and MAC layers of the protocol stack. - Identify and debug complex performance issues across the wireless PHY and MAC layers. - Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
Contribute to system dimensioning and algorithm design for next generation hardware. ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline. - 1+ Years of experience with at least 1 of the following; wireless signal processing, wireless communications, modem systems design, wireless systems engineering, DSP (digital signal processing), or physical layer processing (L1). - 1+ Years of C/C++ coding experience. ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: - Familiarity with 3GPP 4G/5G (LTE/NR) physical layer design or other modern broadband OFDM waveforms such as WiMAX, 802.11 WiFi, DVB-S2, DVB-C, 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks). - Familiarity with forward error correction (FEC) coding concepts. - Basic familiarity with MAC layer (medium access control, L2). - Development and optimization of complex signal processing algorithms in both fixed and floating point. - Familiarity with Linux command line use, git-based version control, and python programming. - SDR (software defined radio) experience. - Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment. - Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills. - Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements. ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be willing to work extended hours as needed. ## 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday. ## ITAR REQUIREMENTS - To conform to U.S.
Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
From SpaceX's job posting for Redmond, WA, United States, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New flight software and GNC jobs, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About SpaceX
Designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.
Pay on its listings: 53.2% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on SpaceX's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More flight software and GNC jobs
- Software Development Engineer, Amazon Leo, Embedded Platform$165,200–$223,600/yr
- Design Authority Solution Logiciel (Logiciel embarqué / Bancs de test / Simulateurs) - F/H
- Senior Embedded Software Engineer$140,500–$221,500/yr
- Senior Software Engineer (Lead) - Terminal Software$168,000–$265,000/yr
- Embedded Flight Software Engineer 2
- GNC Engineer (Dragon)$125,000–$195,000/yr
Written flight software or GNC?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
SpaceX openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from SpaceX's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.