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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Sr. 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Sunnyvale, California, United StatesOnsiteFull TimeSenior$170,000–$230,000 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer for its Starlink Mobile division. This role serves as the company's technical and strategic lead within 3GPP Radio Access Network (RAN) working groups, driving contributions to 5G and 6G standards, including NTN and spectrum evolution. The engineer will represent the company's technical interests in international standards bodies, present and negotiate proposals, and draft technical contributions. Responsibilities include detailed technical analysis across RAN layers, developing simulation tools, and ensuring alignment between internal engineering teams and global standards. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in RAN technologies and strong advocacy skills.

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. 3GPP RAN STANDARDIZATION ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE)

The 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer will serve as the company’s technical and strategic lead within the 3GPP Radio Access Network (RAN) working groups. This individual will actively participate in 3GPP meetings, drive company contributions to influence 5G and 6G standards (including NTN and spectrum evolution) and ensure alignment between internal engineering teams and global standards developments.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in radio access (RAN) technologies with strong diplomacy and advocacy skills to represent the company’s technical interests in an international standards environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Act as the company’s primary delegate in relevant 3GPP RAN Working Groups (RAN1, RAN2, RAN3, RAN4, RAN5 as applicable)
  • Present, negotiate, and defend company contributions and proposals to ensure alignment of emerging standards with product and regulatory goals
  • Build and maintain relationships with other 3GPP members, operators, chipset vendors, and regulatory bodies
  • Draft, review, and submit technical contributions on topics such as 5G/6G NR, 5G/6G NTN, RAN architecture, spectrum bands, and performance evaluation
  • Provide detailed technical analysis on topics relevant to the Working Group discussion, such as:
  • RAN1: develop SLS/LLS simulation tools; perform analysis of PHY design options for study/work item evaluations
  • RAN2: develop signaling and protocol analysis of control plane and user plane features; maintain ASN.1 for internal requirement consumption
  • RAN3: develop architecture and interconnect features
  • RAN4 RF/OTA: drive RF, OTA and spectrum requirements into the standard; develop coexistence simulations
  • RAN4 RRM/demodulation: develop LLS simulation tools; develop RRM requirements and test cases
  • RAN5: drive alignment between RAN5 test cases and the Starlink feature roadmap; perform MU/TT analysis and drive test equipment vendors toward feature adoption
  • Participate in internal design reviews to translate 3GPP outcomes into actionable engineering requirements.
  • Track standardization timelines, Study Item/Work Item progress, and Release planning (e.g., Release 20, 21, and beyond).
  • Summarize and communicate 3GPP meeting outcomes to internal stakeholders through concise reports and recommendations.
  • Identify emerging standardization opportunities, risks, and competitive moves
  • Partner with system engineering, RF design, regulatory, and product teams to align internal technical roadmaps with 3GPP evolution
  • Support business and partnership discussions with standards-based technical insights

    • BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline
  • 8+ years of experience with cellular RAN design and/or system architecture
  • 5+ years of experience working with/on 3GPP standardization

    • PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
  • Deep understanding of:
  • 5G NR and LTE PHY/MAC/RRC layers
  • Emerging 6G enhancements, studies, and feature evolution
  • NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) and satellite integration into 3GPP systems
  • Spectrum coexistence, PFD limits, RF propagation, and link budgets
  • Proven experience contributing to and/or leading submissions within 3GPP RAN working groups
  • Prior leadership role (e.g., rapporteur, ad hoc chair, or company lead delegate) in a 3GPP or similar standards body
  • Familiarity with ITU-R, ETSI, GSMA, or regional regulatory processes
  • Background in satellite communications, NTN, or RF systems integration
  • Ability to manage multiple contributions across parallel RAN WGs and releases
    • ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work extended hours as needed
  • Willing and able to travel as needed (up to 25%)
    • COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
    Pay Range:
    Communications Integration Engineer/Sr.: $170,000.00 - $230,000.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

    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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