Radar Systems Engineer - Signal Processing

At TerraFirma, we’re redefining how the world moves earth for construction. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by Kleiner Perkins and Bain Capital Ventures, TerraFirma is automating construction to make it faster, cheaper, and safer.

 

Our Story & Mission

At SpaceX, we were part of the teams that built the largest rocket in human history, launched the largest constellation of satellites ever made, and delivered connectivity to millions of people worldwide. What we learned was simple: infrastructure is everything.

At Starbase, the biggest barrier to launching missions to Mars was not building the rocket. It was how slow, expensive, and complex it was to build the infrastructure around it. We lacked buildings, roads, water, power, communications, and waste management, and constructing them took far more time and resources than it should have.

From a first-principles perspective, that doesn't make sense. It shouldn't be this hard or costly to create the foundations for progress. That’s when we realized something important: the same engineering mindset that enabled us to tackle space exploration and mass manufacturing could be applied to infrastructure. By bringing the principles of simplification, iteration, acceleration, and automation to construction, we can unlock a new era in how the world builds.

Accelerating infrastructure unlocks progress across every domain, creating a self-sustaining engine for tackling humanity’s toughest challenges. The innovations we develop on Earth will lay the groundwork for the technologies that one day make settlement on Mars possible.

 

Job Overview

In this role, you’ll take hands-on ownership of various systems spanning hardware and software, and analog and digital domains. Initially, you'll lead the development of a new DSP system from concept to functional prototype, owning the full hardware and software stack. Daily tasks will include designing and testing RF frontends, analyzing digital signals, running field tests, and creating algorithms to detect patterns and synthesize sensor data for extracting meaningful features from RF and EM interactions with the environment. Alongside building custom hardware, you’ll oversee validation and testing campaigns as needed.

 

Responsibilities

• Own the system architecture for an electromagnetic sensing application from concept through first prototype

• Design and validate new sensor hardware. Must be comfortable with RF circuit and antenna concepts and ready to dive into real-time FPGA processing

• Develop, test, and deploy algorithms in realms of sensor fusion, image processing, and object detection in Python/R/C++. Be ready to explore reinforced learning for a higher degree of confidence

• Work with interdisciplinary teams to design, test, and deliver custom hardware and software solutions

• Take on leadership roles when required, mentor new employees, and actively participate in the hiring process

 

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field

• 2+ years of professional or project experience with RF, DSP, or electrical engineering with hands-on hardware development and prototyping

• Proficiency in fundamentals of signals analysis and electrical engineering

• Demonstrated experience owning large-scale deliverables, leading teams, and driving product roadmaps

 

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Strong background in digital and image signal processing, machine learning, and efficient manipulation of large datasets for high-throughput analysis

• Experience designing or testing radar systems including antennas/frontends targeting the VHF and UHF bands

• Experience with FPGAs, including hardware design, HDL programming, and common low-level and embedded protocols

• Experience prototyping with SDR and open source tools like GNU Radio

• PCB design experience for rapid prototyping, including schematic capture and layout

• Familiarity with C/C++, Python/R, and Linux systems

• Solid understanding of antenna design and analysis

• Experience designing and running test campaigns for qualification/acceptance for custom hardware

• Experience with component selection and integration for SoCs, FPGAs, MCUs, and custom ICs

 

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical deadlines or triage urgent deployment issues

• Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment

• Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance

 

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience and education. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case-by-case basis if an offer is extended. Our total compensation package also includes equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.