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Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of wireless protocol stacks: Experience with Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Wi-SUN or similar ... Engineer your future. We empower our employees to truly own their career and development. Come ...

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System Software Engineer (Kernel) Description - The Systems Software Engineer (Kernel) is tasked ... Wireless protocol stack development (multiple wireless protocols preferred) * Interconnectivity ...

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... You will be responsible for modeling the network protocols as well as the effect of the wireless ...

... protocol stacks, propagation channel modeling, RF/antenna behavior and PHY & MAC protocols. You ... Description As a Wireless PHY Systems Engineer, you will lead the research, modeling, and ...

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... You will be responsible for modeling the network protocols as well as the effect of the wireless ...

Wireless System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... You will be responsible for modeling the network protocols as well as the effect of the wireless ...

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... You will be responsible for modeling the network protocols as well as the effect of the wireless ...

$184K - $324K/yr

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... You will be responsible for modeling the network protocols as well as the effect of the wireless ...

As a Wireless Firmware Validation Engineer on the Firmware team, you will own the performance ... Protocol Knowledge: Extensive expertise in LTE/5G Protocol Stacks (NAS, PDCP, RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY ...

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Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer information

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$44.5K

$134.8K

$190.5K

How much do wireless protocol stack engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for wireless protocol stack engineer in the United States is $134,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $158,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a wireless protocol stack engineer do?

A Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the software layers that enable wireless devices to communicate over various wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 5G. They work on implementing protocol standards, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. This role often involves close collaboration with hardware engineers, software developers, and testing teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wireless protocol stack engineer?

To thrive as a Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, embedded systems, and wireless communication protocols such as LTE, 5G NR, or Wi-Fi, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with C/C++ programming, version control systems like Git, and tools for protocol analysis and debugging are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure robust development, troubleshooting, and optimization of complex wireless communication systems critical to modern connectivity.

What are some common challenges wireless protocol stack engineers face when integrating new features into existing wireless systems?

Wireless Protocol Stack Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new features, such as ensuring backward compatibility with legacy devices, maintaining protocol compliance, and optimizing resource usage across multiple layers of the stack. They must also address timing and synchronization issues that can arise between hardware and software components. Effective collaboration with hardware, firmware, and testing teams is essential to identify and resolve integration bugs, ensuring robust system performance in real-world network conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer jobs?

For Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wireless Protocol Stack Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,771 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Wireless Systems Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Sunnyvale, CA

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

$155K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and optimize wireless systems algorithms at the MAC and PHY layer for link adaptation, power control, timing advance, and doppler tracking.

  • Design and simulate complex MAC layer scheduling algorithms that support joint scheduling of users across multiple beams subject to Quality of Service (QoS) and latency constraints.

  • Analyze inter-cell and inter-beam interference on both uplink and downlink, identify issues on-orbit, and propose solutions through beam planning optimizations, MAC layer scheduling improvements, or advanced signal processing techniques.


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

WIRELESS SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE) 
 
As a Wireless Systems Engineer for Starlink Mobile you will design and develop wireless communications algorithms that maximize system performance for the Starlink Mobile satellite constellation and future networks. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in wireless communication systems, strong knowledge of 3GPP RAN protocols (4G/5G/6G), and an interest in building production algorithms that get deployed at global scale. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES: 
  • Design and optimize wireless systems algorithms at the MAC and PHY layer for link adaptation, power control, timing advance, and doppler tracking.
  • Design and simulate complex MAC layer scheduling algorithms that support joint scheduling of users across multiple beams subject to Quality of Service (QoS) and latency constraints.
  • Analyze inter-cell and inter-beam interference on both uplink and downlink, identify issues on-orbit, and propose solutions through beam planning optimizations, MAC layer scheduling improvements, or advanced signal processing techniques.
  • Run link level simulations and system level simulations to compare performance of different algorithms at all layers of the protocol stack.
  • Work directly with software engineers to implement algorithms and deploy to orbit.
  • Qualify algorithm performance in production through aggregate KPI analysis, high rate per TTI telemetry, and UE log analysis.
  • Develop high-fidelity models for wireless systems in non-terrestrial applications that leverage 3GPP defined protocols (4G/5G/6G). 
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 1+ years of engineering experience (internship/project experience is acceptable); OR 5+ years of professional engineering experience, in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience with MAC and PHY layer protocols and algorithms used in cellular base stations.
  • Experience working with 3GPP protocols. 
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 
  • Master's degree or PhD in wireless communication systems.
  • Experience with system design or implementation of MAC and PHY algorithms for cellular systems.
  • Prior experience debugging issues for a production wireless network deployed at scale.
  • Prior experience with link level simulations that characterize physical layer decode performance under different channel models.
  • Prior experience with system level simulation of a communication network modeling inter-cell and inter-user interference.
  • Fluent in MATLAB and working knowledge of python and/or C/C++.
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and data analysis; 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: 
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year    
Software Engineer/Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/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.

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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