RTL Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering)
SpaceXJob Title
RTL Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering)
Role Summary
Design and implement RTL for ASICs and FPGAs used in Starlink space and ground systems. Work with systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, and backend teams to take complex IP and SoC features from concept through silicon bring-up and validation.
Role requires hands-on RTL expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and delivery of high-reliability hardware for deployed communications systems.
Experience Level
Entry-level — 1+ years of professional RTL design experience (SystemVerilog, Verilog or VHDL) is required.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include RTL design, architectural participation, and integration activities across the ASIC/FPGA lifecycle.
- Design ASICs and FPGAs, implement IP for complex SoCs using Verilog/SystemVerilog/VHDL.
- Participate in full ASIC/FPGA design lifecycle: architecture, microarchitecture, partitioning, and implementation handoffs.
- Collaborate with backend, validation, firmware, and systems teams during integration, lab bring-up, and system validation.
- Contribute to high-level architectural design for FPGA and ASIC projects impacting user terminals, satellites, and ground infrastructure.
Requirements
Concise list of must-have and desirable skills. Degree information is summarized separately under Education Requirements.
- Must-have: 1+ years of RTL design experience using SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL.
- Must-have: Practical experience across ASIC/FPGA design tasks including integration, lab bring-up, or validation.
- Must-have: Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and adapt to changing technical requirements.
- Must-have: Must meet ITAR personnel requirements (U.S. person or eligible to obtain required authorizations).
- Nice-to-have: ASIC/FPGA system integration, Python scripting for automation, experience designing DSP or digital communications datapath blocks.
- Nice-to-have: Experience with HDL simulators/EDA tools and bus protocols such as AXI/AHB/APB.
- Nice-to-have: Strong electrical engineering fundamentals and demonstrated cross-functional collaboration on complex projects.
- Additional: Willingness to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.
Education Requirements
Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics. Preferred: Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field. (The posting does not list certifications or specific equivalent-experience language replacing the degree requirement.)
About the Company
Company: SpaceX
Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
SpaceX is focused on developing space technologies to enable human exploration of Mars and beyond. The company is known for its advancements in rocketry and its Starlink satellite constellation, which delivers high-speed internet globally.
