Sr. BAW Filter Design Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

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. 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 and connecting the world through Starlink. XBAW technology utilizes MEMS-based thin film transfer process, enabling a broad range of piezoelectric material synthesis and compositions tailored for specific application needs with enhanced material properties and an optimized resonator performance, including a superior figure of merit from coupling and Q factor.

Responsibilities

Responsible for designing and developing BAW filters from concept to production, including specification definition, simulation, characterization, front-end and back-end testing, architecture design, and performance optimization; Perform advanced EM simulations using tools such as HFSS, ADS, or COMSOL to model BAW filter performance, optimize designs, and ensure manufacturability; Design RF modules integrating BAW filters, including layout, packaging, and integration with other RF components such as amplifiers, switches, and antennas; Optimize filter performance for key metrics such as insertion loss, return loss, bandwidth, and out-of-band rejection, while meeting size and cost constraints; Work closely with process engineers, layout designers, and system architects to ensure seamless integration of BAW filters into larger RF systems; Develop test plans, perform RF measurements, and validate filter performance using tools like network analyzers and spectrum analyzers; Create detailed design reports, simulation results, and technical documentation to support design reviews and production handoff; Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in BAW technology, contributing to the development of next-generation RF solutions

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline; 5+ years of experience in RF filter design with a focus on BAW or SAW; Experience in EM simulation tools (e.g. HFSS, CST, ADS, or COMSOL); Experience with radio test and measurement equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers; Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones; 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.

Nice to have

Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering; Experience with 5G, Wi-Fi, or IoT RF front-end module design; Familiarity with MEMS fabrication processes for BAW filters; Knowledge of mixed-signal design and co-simulation with analog/digital circuits; Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automation of simulation and testing workflows