Wireless Firmware Engineer (Direct To Cell)

$130,000 - $155,000/Yr

SpaceX - Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Sunnyvale, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Wireless Firmware Engineer (Direct To Cell) at SpaceX is responsible for developing innovative wireless signal processing algorithms and optimized software for satellite and ground station applications. This role involves debugging complex systems, developing production software, and collaborating with wireless systems and protocol firmware engineers to enhance wireless PHY development. The position is critical for enabling global cellular connectivity from space, contributing to SpaceX's mission of making human life on Mars possible.

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.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline.
• 1+ Years of experience with 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++ or Matlab coding experience.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short & long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.