Sr. 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

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. 3GPP RAN STANDARDIZATION ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE) The 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer will serve as the company’s technical and strategic lead within the 3GPP Radio Access Network (RAN) working groups. This individual will actively participate in 3GPP meetings, drive company contributions to influence 5G and 6G standards (including NTN and spectrum evolution) and ensure alignment between internal engineering teams and global standards developments. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in radio access (RAN) technologies with strong diplomacy and advocacy skills to represent the company’s technical interests in an international standards environment. RESPONSIBILITIES: Act as the company’s primary delegate in relevant 3GPP RAN Working Groups (RAN1, RAN2, RAN3, RAN4, RAN5 as applicable) Present, negotiate, and defend company contributions and proposals to ensure alignment of emerging standards with product and regulatory goals Build and maintain relationships with other 3GPP members, operators, chipset vendors, and regulatory bodies Draft, review, and submit technical contributions on topics such as 5G/6G NR, 5G/6G NTN, RAN architecture, spectrum bands, and performance evaluation Provide detailed technical analysis on topics relevant to the Working Group discussion, such as: RAN1: develop SLS/LLS simulation tools; perform analysis of PHY design options for study/work item evaluations RAN2: develop signaling and protocol analysis of control plane and user plane features; maintain ASN.1 for internal requirement consumption RAN3: develop architecture and interconnect features RAN4 RF/OTA: drive RF, OTA and spectrum requirements into the standard; develop coexistence simulations RAN4 RRM/demodulation: develop LLS simulation tools; develop RRM requirements and test cases RAN5: drive alignment between RAN5 test cases and the Starlink feature roadmap; perform MU/TT analysis and drive test equipment vendors toward feature adoption Participate in internal design reviews to translate 3GPP outcomes into actionable engineering requirements. Track standardization timelines, Study Item/Work Item progress, and Release planning (e.g., Release 20, 21, and beyond). Summarize and communicate 3GPP meeting outcomes to internal stakeholders through concise reports and recommendations. Identify emerging standardization opportunities, risks, and competitive moves Partner with system engineering, RF design, regulatory, and product teams to align internal technical roadmaps with 3GPP evolution Support business and partnership discussions with standards-based technical insights BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline 8+ years of experience with cellular RAN design and/or system architecture 5+ years of experience working with/on 3GPP standardization PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field Deep understanding of: 5G NR and LTE PHY/MAC/RRC layers Emerging 6G enhancements, studies, and feature evolution NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) and satellite integration into 3GPP systems Spectrum coexistence, PFD limits, RF propagation, and link budgets Proven experience contributing to and/or leading submissions within 3GPP RAN working groups Prior leadership role (e.g., rapporteur, ad hoc chair, or company lead delegate) in a 3GPP or similar standards body Familiarity with ITU-R, ETSI, GSMA, or regional regulatory processes Background in satellite communications, NTN, or RF systems integration Ability to manage multiple contributions across parallel RAN WGs and releases ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Willing to work extended hours as needed Willing and able to travel