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Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

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

Location
Palo Alto, CA
Compensation
$135k–$185k/yr
Level
mid
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
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

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

Joblaze summary

In the role of Wireless Firmware Engineer for the Starlink Mobile program, the engineer focuses on developing and optimizing wireless signal processing algorithms for satellite communications. Key skills include proficiency in C/C++ or Matlab, along with a solid understanding of wireless systems and modem design. This position is ideal for candidates with a background in electrical engineering or computer science, particularly those with experience in 4G/5G technologies. The team operates in a fast-paced environment, contributing to innovative solutions for global connectivity.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 4 months ago — first seen on Joblaze May 16, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
  • This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Redmond, WA.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,000).
  • Starts above 86% of 307 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $112,000 across 61 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 17.2% of 3012 comparable mid other roles in United States; 5G appears in 0.1% of 3012 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $135,000–$185,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: 4G, 5G, 802.11, C++, DSP, DVB-C.
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 mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this 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.

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 degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline.
  • 1+ Years of experience with at least 1 of the following; 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++ 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 as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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

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