Join SpaceX as a Senior PDK Engineer to lead the development of next-generation Process Design Kits for RF filter design.
Skills & Technologies
AI in the day-to-day
Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflows.
Requirements
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- Sponsorship available
Joblaze summary
In the role of Senior PDK Engineer at SpaceX's Akoustis subsidiary, the individual will focus on developing and enhancing Process Design Kits (PDKs) to streamline RF filter design workflows. Key skills include expertise in EDA tools, object-oriented programming, and experience with AI-driven automation to improve engineering productivity. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers with a strong background in RF/microwave design and software development, particularly those familiar with XBAW technologies. The team is dedicated to advancing technologies that support both terrestrial connectivity and SpaceX's broader mission of enabling human life on Mars.
Joblaze insights
- Listed 2 days ago on Joblaze — tracked directly from SpaceX's career page.
- SpaceX has 2312 other open roles including Process Engineer (Starship), Security Officer 3, Sr. Security Software Enginer (Starshield).
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Quick facts
- Is the Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis) role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Bastrop, TX.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis) role.
- Where is the role based?
- SpaceX is hiring for this position in Bastrop, TX.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ADS, AI, C++, Cadence AWR, HFSS, Jupyter.
- Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
- Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis) role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
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. PDK ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)
Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.
Join the Starlink/Akoustis Filter Design Team as a Senior PDK Software Engineer. In this role you lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs), drive software innovation and AI-enabled automation, and build scalable design infrastructure. You partner closely with RF designers, process engineers, software developers, manufacturing engineers, and automation teams to modernize the XBAW filter design flow and raise engineering productivity through data-driven methods.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) that support complete RF filter design flows across EDA tools including Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS, delivering reliable end-to-end design capability within the first 6–12 months
- Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing that ensure consistent, high-quality releases across process revisions
- Develops technology files, parameterized cells (PCells), device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints that accurately capture manufacturing rules and accelerate design cycles
- Builds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows that automate repetitive design tasks, PDK validation, design-rule generation, parameter optimization, anomaly detection, and documentation, measurably improving engineering productivity
- Develops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal engineering infrastructure for process monitoring, model validation, and design analytics
- Collaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants that reduce iteration time and raise design efficiency
- Translates Design Rule Manuals and process documentation into robust, maintainable, automated PDK implementations and creates validation suites that verify device models, parasitic extraction, physical verification, and process consistency
- Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflows
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design
- 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering
- Advanced Python and C++ programming experience
- Experience creating custom PCells, layout generators, technology files, DRC/LVS rule decks, and device models
- Experience with microwave, RF, MEMS, or XBAW filter technologies
- Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSS
- Experience developing desktop applications, APIs, and scalable engineering software platforms
- Experience with software architecture, design patterns, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing
- Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques (including LLMs, AI agents, prompt engineering, or RAG) to engineering workflows.
- Experience building AI-powered automation tools that improve design productivity
- Experience with scientific computing libraries such as Jupyter, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and scikit-learn
- Experience with PDK integration, validation, regression testing, and release management
- Experience with semiconductor process technologies, statistical process variation, and physical verification methodologies
- Experience with piezoelectric devices, MEMS, SAW, BAW, or XBAW technologies
- Experience with multiphysics simulation and thermal modeling
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
- Must be willing to work onsite, remote work not considered
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.