Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

The role

You will lead the development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs) and drive software innovation and AI-enabled automation. You will partner with RF designers, process engineers, and software developers to modernize the XBAW filter design flow.

What you will do

• Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) that support complete RF filter design flows
• Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing
• Develops technology files, parameterized cells (PCells), device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints
• Builds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows
• Develops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards
• Collaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants
• Translates Design Rule Manuals and process documentation into automated PDK implementations
• Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies to accelerate workflows

Required 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
• Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Must be willing to work onsite, remote work not considered
• U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations

Nice to have

• 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

About the company

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. Akoustis is a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing RF filters using patented XBAW technology.