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Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Join SpaceX as a Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer to develop cutting-edge wireless signal processing algorithms for satellite-based connectivity.

Location
Redmond, WA
Compensation
$160k–$225k/yr
Level
senior
Type
full time

Posted by employer 4 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 4 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Requirements

Experience
5+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Paid Sick Time Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In the role of Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer for the Starlink Mobile program, the engineer will focus on developing and optimizing wireless signal processing algorithms for satellite-based communication systems. Key skills include expertise in wireless systems engineering, C/C++ programming, and a solid understanding of physical layer design for 4G/5G technologies. This position is ideal for experienced engineers with a background in digital signal processing and a strong analytical mindset. The team is engaged in cutting-edge technology aimed at providing global cellular connectivity from space.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 4 months ago — first seen on Joblaze May 20, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
  • This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Palo Alto, CA.
  • Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,000).
  • Starts above 51% of 262 comparable senior other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $154,000 across 55 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 16.5% of 2382 comparable senior other roles in United States; SDR appears in 0.1% of 2382 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $160,000–$225,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: 4G, 5G, C++, DSP, Git, LTE.
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. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile) 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. 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, Master’s or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline.
  • 5+ Years of experience with at least 1 of the following: wireless signal processing, modem systems design, wireless systems engineering, DSP (digital signal processing), or physical layer processing (L1).
  • 5+ 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 and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year

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:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

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