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.

SR. ASIC VALIDATION ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering, ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation FPGAs and ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform pre-silicon emulation of critical systems of next-generation ASICs
Work within a small team of validation engineers to rapidly develop and bring up custom SpaceX silicon
Design, build, validate, and automate test benches for full characterization of custom silicon
Work closely with the FPGA/ASIC Design, Flight Software, and Satellite Engineering teams, to add/improve testability and define various test infrastructure logic to ensure adequate silicon test coverage
Design and build modular, reusable instrument driver libraries and test automation sequences in C/C++ or Python

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or physics
5+ years of experience developing ASICs or FPGAs

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or physics
Experience with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and/or basic digital signal processing concepts
Experience using one or more emulation or prototyping platforms from a major EDA vendor (e.g. Palladium, Veloce, ZeBu, etc.)
Ability to analyze internal and external test results to help drive IP selections for future products
Experience writing comprehensive test reports covering test boundary conditions and test results for internal technical audiences
Strong communication skills and ability to work well within a fast-paced team
Experience working with various high-speed SerDes architectures (NRZ, PAM4) and various clocking modes
Experience with Ethernet, PCIe and other high-speed protocol layers
Experience with serial digital communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, JTAG and/or the software/hardware solutions to exercise these
Experience developing multi-threaded applications and systems
Experience with both Windows and Linux system usage/administration
Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
Experience with configuration management and version control software
Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
Strong object-oriented programming skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
ASIC Validation Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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.

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.