ASIC/FPGA Design Engineer - DSP (Starlink) at SpaceX
Irvine, CA, United States
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.
ASIC/FPGA DESIGN ENGINEER - DSP (STARLINK)
Starlink is SpaceX's ambitious program aimed at bringing broadband connectivity to the globe by building a constellation of thousands of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. We are developing millions of devices for end users in order to link our customers to our satellites. As a member of our Wireless Network Engineering group, you will have the unique opportunity to design digital communication blocks for complex silicon products that are at the heart of the Starlink network. In this critical role, as an ASIC/FPGA Design Engineer (DSP), you will be collaborating with silicon, antenna, software, and other engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions that will take Starlink to the next level.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participate in all phases of ASIC/FPGA design flow - from concept to mass production
Develop high-level design requirements and block-level micro-architectures, partition design within ASIC/FPGA, and create specification documents
Develop RTL designs using SystemVerilog, with emphasis on DSP and digital communication system blocks (frontend, physical layer, link layer, error correction, etc.)
Optimize your designs for area, speed, and power to meet system requirements; analyze architectural trade-offs
Develop test benches and test cases for block-level functional verification, emphasizing bit-matching and self-checking
Verify DSP blocks against fixed-point MATLAB model, work in collaboration with systems engineers
Collaborate with verification engineers to develop UVM-based top-level tests for your blocks
Participate in SoC-level and FPGA top-level integration activities
Prototype designs on FPGA, focusing on closely emulating the final product functionality
Use scripting languages to achieve higher performance and improve productivity through automation
Perform lint checking, CDC checking, logic equivalence checking, and other EDA tool-based checks
Run implementation tools, such as Synopsys Design Compiler, Xilinx Vivado, and others; perform timing closure for your designs
Work with backend/implementation teams to address synthesis, timing, layout, and DFT issues for ASICs
Bring-up and validate ASICs and FPGAs in the lab, utilize various lab equipment
Collaborate with software engineers in developing production software for your designs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
BS degree in Electrical, Computer, or Telecommunications Engineering
1+ years of experience in SystemVerilog, Verilog or VHDL RTL design
Experience designing DSP and/or digital communication system datapath blocks
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience in working with ASICs and/or FPGAs
Experience in designing DSP, digital communication system datapath blocks, and/or modem design
Strong programming and scripting skills in most of these languages: MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Perl, Tcl, Make, Bash
Understanding of clock domain crossing (CDC) techniques
Experience in FPGAs, evaluation boards, and knowledge of FPGA design flow
Understanding of different DSP architectures and tradeoffs (including transforms, filtering, sample rate conversion, etc.)
Knowledge of different digital modulation techniques (e.g. PSK, QAM, OFDMA, etc.)
Knowledge of wireless communications systems and standards (e.g. LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.)
Knowledge of forward error correction (FEC) blocks, such as LDPC, Turbo Codes, convolutional/Viterbi, and Reed-Solomon codecs
Knowledge of industry standard interfaces, protocols, and architectures: PCIe, Ethernet, AMBA, DDR, etc.
Experience in developing automated, self-checking test benches and/or UVM
Experience in EDA tools such as simulators (e.g. Questa), lint checkers (e.g. Spyglass), synthesis (e.g. Design Compiler), FPGA tools (e.g. Vivado)
Experience in formal verification and logic equivalence checking, knowledge of LEC tools (e.g. Formality)
Knowledge of power optimization, power estimation, UPF-based power verification
Experience in Git version control system
Knowledge of synthesis and static timing analysis, knowledge of timing closure techniques for high-speed designs, knowledge of STA tools (e.g. PrimeTime)
Experience in Atlassian collaboration and automation tools: JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo, etc.
Strong interpersonal/written/verbal communication skills and experience with cross-functional collaboration
Strong teamwork skills combined with ability to work autonomously as an individual contributor
High level of self-motivation and desire to be challenged and learn new skills
Strong problem solving skills with high attention to detail
Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with changing needs and requirements
Ability to meet tough goals under high pressure and manage time effectively
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
