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Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PHY Design Verification Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

... Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration, Design Verification, Emulation, Test and Validation, and FW/SW engineering. Description In this highly visible role, you will ...

PHY Design Verification Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

... Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration, Design Verification, Emulation, Test and Validation, and FW/SW engineering. Description In this highly visible role, you will ...

Job Area: Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering General Summary: This ... PHY/MAC layers. Participates in design, Standards review sessions, contribution to QUALCOMM's IP ...

$207K - $290K/yr

... layer supporting Blue Origin's TeraWave network. The MAC control plane governs radio-resource ... PHY, modem, networking, platform, and systems teams to develop a high-throughput, predictable ...

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Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do systems engineer phy mac layer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer phy mac layer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a systems engineer Phy Mac Layer?

As a Systems Engineer focused on PHY/MAC Layer development, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and protocol designers. Collaboration often involves regular technical discussions, joint troubleshooting sessions, and integration testing to ensure system compatibility and performance. You'll also participate in design reviews and contribute to documentation, making clear communication skills and teamwork essential. This collaborative environment helps drive innovation and ensures seamless implementation of wireless communication protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems engineer Phy Mac Layer?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, wireless communications, and signal processing, typically with a relevant degree and experience in PHY/MAC protocol development. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, network analyzers, and industry standards such as 3GPP or IEEE 802.11 is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the efficient design, integration, and optimization of wireless communication systems that meet industry requirements.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineer Phy Mac LayerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+Bachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; similar certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and implementing physical and MAC layer network components; labs and fieldworkPlanning, configuring, and troubleshooting network infrastructure; office and data center settings
Industry UsageTelecommunications, hardware manufacturing, network equipment developmentIT services, enterprise networks, internet service providers

The Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer focuses on the physical and MAC layers of network communication, dealing with hardware and low-level protocols. In contrast, the Network Engineer manages overall network infrastructure, including configuration and troubleshooting. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping industries, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer jobs?

For Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Phy Mac Layer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$170K - $235K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

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. WIRELESS FIRMWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE)
The Starlink Mobile program is working to provide global cellular connectivity from space. As a wireless firmware engineer, you will play a critical role in developing novel wireless signal processing algorithms, implementing optimized software for use on satellites and ground stations, debugging complex systems and performance issues, and developing production software. This is a unique position which will work closely with both wireless systems engineers and protocol firmware engineers to accelerate wireless PHY development and find solutions to interdisciplinary challenges. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable with wireless signal processing algorithms and high-performance software development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and implement physical layer (PHY) algorithms for satellite-based 4G/5G (LTE/NR) eNodeB/gNodeB.
  • Develop optimized signal processing algorithms running on resource-constrained CPUs.
  • Develop models and run simulations to analyze and validate overall system performance, including modem performance.
  • Design, implement, test, maintain, and document the wireless PHY and MAC layers of the protocol stack.
  • Identify and debug complex performance issues across the wireless PHY and MAC layers.
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews. Contribute to system dimensioning and algorithm design for next generation hardware.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline.
  • 5+ Years of experience with at least 1 of the following: wireless signal processing, modem systems design, wireless systems engineering, DSP (digital signal processing), or physical layer processing (L1).
  • 5+ Years of C/C++ coding experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Familiarity with 3GPP 4G/5G (LTE/NR) physical layer design or other modern broadband OFDM waveforms such as WiMAX, 802.11 WiFi, DVB-S2, DVB-C, 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks).
  • Familiarity with forward error correction (FEC) coding concepts.
  • Basic familiarity with MAC layer (medium access control, L2).
  • Development and optimization of complex signal processing algorithms in both fixed and floating point.
  • Familiarity with Linux command line use, git-based version control, and python programming.
  • SDR (software defined radio) experience.
  • Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment.
  • Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Senior: $170,000.00 - $235,000.00/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:
    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

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US