RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering) Verified today

SpaceX · Irvine, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-07-22

RFIC Layout Designer

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. We deploy Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation, 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, and software that brings it together.

You will work on multiple silicon projects driving more integration, lower power, and mixed signal architectures for deployment in space and ground infrastructure. You will lead the discipline of layout at the technical level, working with RFIC and mixed signal designers on full chip layout of custom analog and RFIC designs.

Responsibilities

Work with integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine chip floor plan, including power and ground distribution strategies and pad locations with packaging engineer
Estimate schedule for layout work and identify areas of complexity that need early investigation
Perform layout of custom RF and analog circuit blocks with attention to matching and minimizing parasitic capacitance
Perform design rule checking, electrical rule checking and layout versus schematic checks and resolve errors
Perform top-level layout integration with electrostatic discharge structures and pad assembly and perform final tape out, including density fill, design for manufacturability checks and sharing GDS with the foundry
Work with EDA suppliers to trial new tools and features
Generate guides and demos for others in the team to showcase improvements in layout technique

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering and 1 or more years of professional experience as an IC layout designer, OR 3 or more years of professional experience with integrated circuit layout design in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Strong analog layout skills
Experience in advanced node IC layouts such as 22nm, 16nm, 7nm, 5nm or below
Experience in layout of circuits with frequencies up to 50GHz
Experience in layout of sensitive RF blocks such as low noise amplifiers, voltage controlled oscillators and mixers
Experience with skill programming
Experience with shell scripting, Perl, Python or similar language
Experience managing revision control systems
Experience with circuit design
Understanding of layout considerations for device matching, coupling and noise isolation
Working knowledge of Linux
Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
Able to work independently on challenging problems

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones
Must be a US citizen or national, US lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the US Department of State

Compensation

Level 1: $105,000 to $140,000 per year. Level 2: $120,000 to $170,000 per year. Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education and experience.

Base salary is one part of total rewards. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays per year, and paid sick leave.