RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

Redmond (WA)

On-site

USD 125,000 - 145,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock options and company stock

Job summary

A leading aerospace company based in Redmond, WA is seeking a skilled RF/Microwave Engineer to develop and enhance the RF devices integral to their satellite systems. This role involves collaborating with a talented team of engineers to design and implement advanced communication systems. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and at least one year of experience in RF/microwave circuit design. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are offered, supporting innovation for a future in space exploration.

Qualifications

1+ years of industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
Experience using 3D EM simulation tools.
Working knowledge of digital communication systems.

Responsibilities

Simulate and model communication systems.
Work with engineers to partition functions between hardware and software.
Characterize and analyze system performance.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

3D EM simulation tools

Communication systems modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

CST

HFSS

Python

Matlab

Job description

RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

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.

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 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.

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
Deriving 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
1+ years of research and/or industry experience in the areas of RF/microwave circuit design (internships and co-ops can apply)
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 I: $125,000.00 – $145,000.00 per year
RF/Microwave Engineer/Level II: $145,000 – $175,000 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Voluntary Self‑Identification

As required by law, we encourage candidates to voluntarily provide self‑identification information for disability and veteran status. The following classification categories are used for government reporting.

Disabled veteran: one of the following - veteran of the U.S. military entitled to compensation; or veteran discharged due to service‑connected disability.
Recently separated veteran: veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of discharge or release.
Active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran: veteran who served on active duty during a war or campaign with award.
Armed forces service medal veteran: veteran who participated in a U.S. military operation for which an armed forces service medal was awarded.

Disability status – if you have or have ever had a disability, we consider you a person with a disability. List of disabilities includes: