Senior Software Engineer

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. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, 4G/5G MAC/PHY (DIRECT TO CELL)

SpaceX is developing a breakthrough new direct to cell satellite network to bring ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with telecommunication companies around the world to bring this service directly from satellites to existing cell phones, with the goal of providing coverage anywhere a phone can see the sky.

More than 20% of the United States and 90% of the Earth remain uncovered by existing wireless networks, negatively impacting communities around the world. Starlink was designed to connect the disconnected and this new product will greatly expand that mission, extending Starlink's potential reach to billions of existing cellular devices. The applications range from connecting hikers in national parks, emergency workers such as firefighters, rural communities, remote sensors and devices, and people and devices in emergency situations. You can learn more about this recently announced effort here.

We are seeking talented software engineers to join us in making this vision a reality and solving a wide range of novel engineering challenges:

• Cutting-edge networking algorithms capable of connecting thousands of satellites to millions of users in real time.
• Custom 4G LTE and 5G network software supporting all layers of the protocol stack (L1/L2/L3), running for the first time on hardware in space.
• Firmware and control software for one of the most complex communication payloads ever built, running on custom-built silicon chips.
• Infrastructure and tools enabling a highly reliable, software-defined global network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, test, maintain, and document wireless MAC/PHY software for SpaceX satellite communication networks.
• Design and implement MAC layer wireless algorithms to improve link efficiency, such as uplink and downlink link adaptation, power control, and scheduling enhancements.
• Scale MAC layer algorithms from a single beam to hundreds of beams on a single satellite.
• Lead analysis and debugging of complex cross-layer MAC/PHY issues throughout all stages of development, test, and deployment.
• Work with PHY layer and wireless protocol software teams to integrate MAC/PHY software into the rest of the system.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering; or 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of professional development experience in C/C+.
• 2+ years of professional development experience for wireless communications or other Real Time applications.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering.
• Professional experience with Embedded Linux C/C+ software development, specific to communications protocols.
• Professional experience in any of the L1, L2, L3 protocol stack layers in wireless broadband access technologies such as: 5G-NR, LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi, or satellite broadband.
• Experience modeling, designing, and validating wireless MAC-layer protocol software.
• Knowledge of at least one wireless protocol technology or standard, such as 5G-NR, LTE, or Wi-Fi, with an in-depth understanding of MAC/PHY aspects.
• Experience with, or interest in, owning project outcomes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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.