RF Engineer, Wi-Fi Hardware Reliability (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX Bastrop, TX is seeking an RF Engineer for the Starlink Reliability team. You will analyze telemetry and logs and perform hands-on debugging to drive root-cause actions for failed hardware (dishes, routers, power supplies).

You will build and maintain tools to assess hardware performance and support internal betas and launches, collaborating across disciplines to resolve issues before public releases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience in RF engineering.
• Experience with digital or mixed-signal designs and analytical tools.
• Strong Python data analysis and basic SQL skills.
• Hands-on debugging of hardware and telemetry/log analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform telemetry and log analysis and hands-on debugging to find root causes of failed hardware.
• Develop and maintain tools to assess Starlink hardware performance and reliability.
• Support internal betas and product launches by identifying design issues early.
• Collaborate across engineering, production, test, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Contribute to problem solving under tight deadlines with creative thinking.

Skills

Networking concepts

Python data analysis

RF/WiFi knowledge

Oscilloscopes & DMM

Soldering & test equipment

Debugging & root-cause

Software development basics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in electrical engineering

RF engineering background

Tools

Oscilloscope

Digital multimeter

Power supplies

Soldering equipment

PCB layout tools

Python

SQL

Job description

RF Engineer, Wi‑Fi Hardware Reliability (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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 largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and millions of consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best‑in‑class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As an RF Engineer on the Starlink Reliability team, you will perform telemetry and log analysis as well as hands‑on debugging to drive to root cause and corrective action of failed hardware. You will build and maintain tools and custom software to assess the performance and reliability of Starlink customer hardware (dishes, routers, power supplies, etc.) and support internal betas and product launches.

Responsibilities

• Perform telemetry and log analysis as well as hands‑on debugging to drive to root cause and corrective action of failed phased‑array, Wi‑Fi, and power supply PCBAs
• Build and maintain critical tools and custom software to objectively assess the performance and reliability of Starlink customer hardware
• Run internal betas and product launches to identify and resolve any design issues in the hardware or software of new products ahead of their public launch
• Build relationships and collaborate across disciplines including engineering, production, test, inventory, quality, supply chain, and customer experience to drive positive business outcomes
• Consistently contribute effort, leadership, and creative thinking to solving complex problems in a collaborative fashion and under tight deadlines

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mathematics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of experience working with digital or mixed‑signal designs, using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and/or soldering equipment (includes internships and school projects)
• Working understanding of networking technologies including but not limited to ethernet protocols and WiFi standards
• 1+ years of experience with data analysis in Python/R

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 1+ years’ experience in consumer electronics or similar industry
• Experience troubleshooting electronics hardware
• Proficiency at understanding PCB schematics and layout tools
• Experience with engineering projects in any one or more of the following areas: CPU/FPGA/ASIC circuit boards, Linux, high‑speed interfaces, memories, and/or low‑power platforms
• Experience with basic principles of antenna theory, RF antennas, and communication systems
• Experience troubleshooting RF communication systems including WiFi
• Understanding of service provider and home network technologies including but not limited to:
  • Connectivity (Ethernet, WiFi, WDM, IPv4, and IPv6)
  • Internet services (DNS, DHCP, NTP, UPnP, NAT, etc.)
  • Knowledge and troubleshooting of most common consumer devices (NAS, IoT, smart devices, etc.)
• Experience working within complex software‑defined networking (SDN) and/or network function virtualization (NFV) environments
• 1+ years of experience with SQL
• Strong coding skills: clean, efficient, and well‑documented code with a foundation in software design principles
• Experience in a technical operational role under the pressure of a live service or high‑volume production environment (e.g., consumer goods, automotive)
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements
• Self‑motivated independent learner with strong multi‑tasking, organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to identify customer needs, gather requirements, and execute independently

Additional Requirements

• This position is based in Bastrop, TX (near Austin) and requires being on‑site; hybrid or remote work not considered
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel up to 10% for work
• 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].