RF/Microwave Engineer II (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company at the forefront of satellite technology! As an RF/Microwave Engineer II, you'll play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge communication systems for Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation. Your expertise in RF/microwave circuit design and 3D EM simulation tools will be essential as you collaborate with a talented team to create innovative solutions that provide fast, reliable internet to millions. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact global connectivity while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic work environment. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a difference, this role is for you!

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Various discounts and perks

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• 3+ years in RF/microwave circuit design with a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with 3D EM simulation tools and digital communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Simulate and model communication systems for satellite and ground systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to define hardware and software functions.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

3D EM simulation tools

Digital communication systems

Python programming

Matlab

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering

Tools

CST

HFSS

Altium Designer

LabVIEW

AWR

Job description

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER II (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 4M+ 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.

Our Satellite Payload Engineering team develops the RF devices that power our satellites and ground antennas - from power amplifiers to waveguide components to reflectors to antennae. The ideal candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing all elements of new high performance wireless digital communication systems from antenna to protocol level. You will be responsible for the design, implementation and verification of the electrical hardware for the satellites and ground communication systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Simulate and model communication systems
• Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Assess feasibility of various designs in support of architectural definition
• Derive top-level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystems
• Characterize and analyze system performance
• Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other engineering discipline
• 3+ years of research and/or industry experience in the areas of RF/microwave circuit design
• 1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering discipline (or 2y+ industry experience) with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory
• Experience with design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs
• Thorough understanding of RF passive components
• Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
• RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
• Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
• Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tool
• Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
• Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation
• Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure
• RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: RF/Microwave Engineer/Level II: $140,000 - $170,000 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.