SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

Bastrop, TXOnsiteFull TimeSeniorPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

PDK development
EDA
RF/microwave design
object-oriented programming
Cadence AWR
ADS
HFSS
AI-enabled automation
scalable design infrastructure
XBAW technology

Nice to have

Master’s degree
Python
C++
PCells
layout generators
technology files

Role summary

Akoustis, a SpaceX subsidiary, seeks a Senior PDK Software Engineer to lead the development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs) for RF filters using XBAW technology. This role involves driving software innovation, AI-enabled automation, and building scalable design infrastructure. You will collaborate with RF designers, process engineers, and manufacturing teams to modernize the design flow and enhance engineering productivity through data-driven methods. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining PDKs across EDA tools, architecting software frameworks, building AI-assisted tools for automation, and developing applications for process monitoring and design analytics. A Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, 5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design, and 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience are required. Advanced Python/C++ and experience with ML/AI techniques are preferred.

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. PDK 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, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

Join the Starlink/Akoustis Filter Design Team as a Senior PDK Software Engineer. In this role you lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs), drive software innovation and AI-enabled automation, and build scalable design infrastructure. You partner closely with RF designers, process engineers, software developers, manufacturing engineers, and automation teams to modernize the XBAW filter design flow and raise engineering productivity through data-driven methods.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) that support complete RF filter design flows across EDA tools including Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS, delivering reliable end-to-end design capability within the first 6–12 months

Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing that ensure consistent, high-quality releases across process revisions

Develops technology files, parameterized cells (PCells), device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints that accurately capture manufacturing rules and accelerate design cycles

Builds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows that automate repetitive design tasks, PDK validation, design-rule generation, parameter optimization, anomaly detection, and documentation, measurably improving engineering productivity

Develops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal engineering infrastructure for process monitoring, model validation, and design analytics

Collaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants that reduce iteration time and raise design efficiency

Translates Design Rule Manuals and process documentation into robust, maintainable, automated PDK implementations and creates validation suites that verify device models, parasitic extraction, physical verification, and process consistency

Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline

5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design

3+ years of object-oriented programming experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering

Advanced Python and C++ programming experience

Experience creating custom PCells, layout generators, technology files, DRC/LVS rule decks, and device models

Experience with microwave, RF, MEMS, or XBAW filter technologies

Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSS

Experience developing desktop applications, APIs, and scalable engineering software platforms

Experience with software architecture, design patterns, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing

Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques (including LLMs, AI agents, prompt engineering, or RAG) to engineering workflows.

Experience building AI-powered automation tools that improve design productivity

Experience with scientific computing libraries such as Jupyter, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and scikit-learn

Experience with PDK integration, validation, regression testing, and release management

Experience with semiconductor process technologies, statistical process variation, and physical verification methodologies

Experience with piezoelectric devices, MEMS, SAW, BAW, or XBAW technologies

Experience with multiphysics simulation and thermal modeling

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed

Must be willing to work onsite, remote work not considered

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.

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