Sr. PDK Software Engineer (Akoustis)

Huntersville, NC

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 SOFTWARE ENGINEER (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 6M+ users around the world, while  allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

We are seeking motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineers who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (product and design engineering, automation engineering, manufacturing/production, and more). You will be an integral part of the filter design team and lead the discipline of PDK development at the technical level. The PDK automatically imposes constraints on the designers, permitting adjustments only to specific parameters during the design evaluation process. This tailored approach ensures that final designs seamlessly align with the manufacturing process, streamlining design workflows, enhancing productivity, and minimizing costs, delivering customers the maximum value proposition.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop, maintain, and improve foundry Process Design Kits (PDK) including support of the commonly used EDA tool from vendors line: Cadence AWR, ADS, etc.
  • Create and maintain technology files with symbols, device parameters, P-cells, design verification decks, layouts, process constraints, design rule checks, and/or layout versus schematic run sets for XBAW filter designers.
  • Understand, interpret, and accurately translate Design Rule Manuals and other documentation into PDKs.
  • Resolve issues and bugs found within the PDK.
  • Build test structures and run simulations, physical verification, and parasitic extraction to ensure proper model and design solutions.
  • Maintain a resonator modeling database.
  • Develop, qualify, and support EM and thermal setup within the PDK.
  • Stay up to date with advancement of XBAW technology to continuously improve and innovate PDKs. 
  • Assist in the development and implementation of automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy of XBAW filter design flow using scripting languages (e.g., Python, VB, SKILL).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering field.
  • 5+ years of PDK experience. 
  • 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience with EDA software tools and developing custom p-cells, symbols, layout and physical verifications.
  • Proficiency in Python, Visual Basic, C++ and/or other scripting languages and use of VBA to generate AWR script.
  • Familiar with PDK integration/validation and technology file management.
  • Familiarity with version control methodologies.
  • Experience with electromagnetics tools like Ansys HFSS.
  • Knowledge of statistical behavior of semiconductor devices.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
  • This position will sit 100% onsite in our Huntersville, NC facility.

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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