Sr. BAW Filter Design Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX
Bastrop, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to RF filter specialists with in-depth BAW experience working in satellite communications and high-performance RF systems.

Best fit for

  • RF filter engineers with BAW/SWA expertise and strong simulation skills for satellite and RF module design
    — “designing and developing BAW filters from concept to production”
  • Candidates with a background in MEMS fabrication and a track record of optimizing RF performance metrics
    — “optimize filter performance for key metrics such as insertion loss, return loss, bandwidth, and out-of-band rejection”
  • Individuals who thrive in a collaborative, hands-on environment with tight feedback loops
    — “mission to keep all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop”

Things to consider

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”
  • Role requires flexibility with work hours and weekends to meet project milestones
    — “Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with BAW filter optimization in RF front-end modules
    — “optimize filter performance for key metrics such as insertion loss”
  • Demonstrate proficiency in EM simulation tools like HFSS or COMSOL
    — “Perform advanced EM simulations using tools such as HFSS, ADS, or COMSOL”
  • Emphasize technical documentation and design reporting capabilities
    — “Create detailed design reports, simulation results, and technical documentation”
  • Showcase experience with RF test equipment and validation workflows
    — “Develop test plans, perform RF measurements, and validate filter performance”
  • Demonstrate scripting skills for automation of simulation or testing tasks
    — “Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB)”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • design and develop BAW filters from concept to production
  • optimize filter performance
Typical background
PhD or Master’s degree in electrical engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

BAW Filter DesignEM SimulationRF Module Integration

Preferred

MEMS Fabrication ProcessesMixed-signal DesignScripting Languages

Stack & domain

BAW Filter DesignSAW Filter DesignEM Simulation Tools (hfss, CST, ADS, Comsol)RF Test And Measurement EquipmentMEMS Fabrication ProcessesMixed-signal DesignScripting Languages (python, Matlab)

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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. BAW FILTER DESIGN ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX, providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary and connecting the world through Starlink. We design, build, launch, and operate the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. The root of SpaceX’s success so far lies in our mission to keep all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision-making, and speedy deliverables. With millions of daily users worldwide already online, Starlink is truly a game-changer and levels the playing field for those who were previously unconnected.

XBAW technology utilizes MEMS-based thin film transfer process, enabling a broad range of piezoelectric material synthesis and compositions tailored for specific application needs with enhanced material properties and an optimized resonator performance, including a superior figure of merit from coupling and Q factor. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for designing and developing BAW filters from concept to production, including specification definition, simulation, characterization, front-end and back-end testing, architecture design, and performance optimization

Perform advanced EM simulations using tools such as HFSS, ADS, or COMSOL to model BAW filter performance, optimize designs, and ensure manufacturability

Design RF modules integrating BAW filters, including layout, packaging, and integration with other RF components such as amplifiers, switches, and antennas

Optimize filter performance for key metrics such as insertion loss, return loss, bandwidth, and out-of-band rejection, while meeting size and cost constraints

Work closely with process engineers, layout designers, and system architects to ensure seamless integration of BAW filters into larger RF systems

Develop test plans, perform RF measurements, and validate filter performance using tools like network analyzers and spectrum analyzers

Create detailed design reports, simulation results, and technical documentation to support design reviews and production handoff

Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in BAW technology, contributing to the development of next-generation RF solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline

5+ years of experience in RF filter design with a focus on BAW or SAW

Experience in EM simulation tools (e.g. HFSS, CST, ADS, or COMSOL)

Experience with radio test and measurement equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering

Experience with 5G, Wi-Fi, or IoT RF front-end module design

Familiarity with MEMS fabrication processes for BAW filters

Knowledge of mixed-signal design and co-simulation with analog/digital circuits

Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automation of simulation and testing workflows

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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