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.

SOC/ASIC SYNTHESIS & FRONT-END STA ENGINEER (SILICON 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 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 FPGAs and ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Full chip and block level timing constraint development, consistent full chip and block constraint partitioning
• Develop block and full chip level timing constraints for test modes
• Timing closure ownership throughout the entire project cycle (RTL, synthesis, and physical implementation)
• Analysis of clock domain crossing paths at block and full chip level
• Work with mixed signal IP/PLL/SerDes/PHY teams to drive integration, timing, logical equivalence checking and analysis of various IPs into RTL
• Develop/modify/run RTL logic synthesis, formal verification, power intent verification and post synthesis timing validation flows
• Execute low power design and physical synthesis, deploying knowledge of unified power format and power intent verification
• Implement Functional ECOs for complex blocks
• Some logic design in Verilog/SystemVerilog and confirmation of quality of coding through LINT and clock domain crossing flows
• Deploy and enhance methodology and flows related to timing constraint generation and verification and timing closure
• Work closely with chip architecture, design verification, physical design, DFT, and power teams to achieve tapeout success on designs – generally bridging the RTL and place and route
• Work with multi-disciplinary groups to make sure RTL/Netlists are on schedule and delivered with the highest quality by incorporating automated checks at every stage of the design process

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
• 1+ years of professional experience doing synthesis and/or front-end STA

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in ASIC multimode constraint generation, constraint partitioning and timing closure in advanced nodes
• Experience with test modes, mode merging to optimize physical design implementation and STA Signoff
• Experience with power intent and upf development for block and SOC top
• Familiar with formal verification and implementing functional ECOs
• Knowledge of deep sub-micron FinFET technology nodes (7nm and below) timing challenges, multi-corner and multimode timing closure, process variations (AOCV, POCV based STA), voltage drop aware STA, and clock reconvergence pessimism removal
• Hands-on experience in industry standard physical synthesis and STA tools (Synopsys DC, Primetime or equivalent)
• Experience with clock domain crossings, DFT/Scan/MBIST/LBIST and understanding of their impact on synthesis, physical design and timing closure
• Deep understanding of ASIC design flow, top-down and bottom-up design methodologies
• Knowledge of low-power methodologies and leakage/dynamic power optimization flows and techniques
• Familiar with implementation or integration of design blocks using Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Experience with high reliability design and implementations
• Excellent scripting skills (csh/bash, Perl, Python, TCL, Makefile etc.)
• Self-driven individual with a can-do attitude, and an ability to work in a dynamic group environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    Synthesis and Front-End STA Engineer/Level I: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year    Synthesis and Front-End STA Engineer/Level II: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year    Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.