Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

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. SILICON PHOTONICS DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC 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 photonics design engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation PIC for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has not previously been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network. RESPONSIBILITIES: Design, analyze and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and Microring modulators, Ge Photo diodes, dWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry in different integrated platforms such as silicon photonics and InGaAs/InP Derive specifications for the Photonics IC systems and circuits Design and model package optical interface including edge coupler and grating couplers Familiar with RF, Analog and mixed signal circuits Work with system architects, DSP, electro-optics, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains Perform IC floor planning and layout Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of a high-speed optical link solution Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the PIC circuits and systems Experience using simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL and HFSS BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science 2+ years of photonics or electro-optical integrated circuit design PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering (with emphasis on electro-optics IC design), or applied physics Experience using electrical simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS Knowledge of advanced packaging for a co-package optics (CPO) solution Electrical circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation linear/non-linear circuits such as high bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low noise and power amplifiers. Experience working on wideband circuit designs supporting high speed Serdes links with more than 100Gbps data rate and BW exceeding 10s of GHz Familiarity with high speed SerDes architecture and modulation schemes such as NRZ/ PAM4 and link protocols Familiarity with optical and radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high speed oscilloscopes and BERTs Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high speed optical Serdes ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: RFIC Engineer/Level