RF Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an RF Engineer to design, build, and validate antennas and RF front ends for next-generation systems. You will simulate, test, and optimize hardware in close collaboration with EE, ME, DSP, and software teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and 1+ years in RF design or testing, with proficiency in Python, C++, and MATLAB, plus experience with RF test equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 1+ years RF experience with antennas or communication systems.
• 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience with RF test equipment and measurement concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate and characterize RF prototypes (antennas, feeds, front ends).
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware.
• Collaborate with EE/ME/DSP/software teams to validate RF systems.
• Develop phased array alignment solutions and test methods.
• Develop production test solutions and automation in Python.
• Write automation scripts to interact with test units and equipment.

Skills

RF engineering

Python

C++

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Network analyzers

Test equipment

Job description

Overview

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.

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation that provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems and RF front ends for next-generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
• Work in close collaboration with EE, ME, DSP and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
• Create and test phased array alignment solutions
• Rapidly develop design validation and production test solutions for our high-volume consumer products
• Write automation software in python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional RF experience with antennas or communication systems (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)
• 1+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
• 1+ years of professional programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering
• Experience designing wireless communications systems
• Experience with basic principles of antenna theory
• Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications
• Thorough understanding of RF active and passive components
• Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Passion for problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• 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 [e-mail].