RF Test Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Canandaigua (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision & dental

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

10+ paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Canandaigua, NY is seeking an RF Test Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis) to develop and optimize RF BAW filter test solutions in a 100% onsite role. You will drive test case development, calibration procedures, and tool ownership for VNA and wafer probe stations in a high‑mix manufacturing environment.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in electrical engineering and 1+ year RF test experience; preferred expertise in VNA systems, JMP, KLayout, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 1+ years of RF test engineering experience.
• Experience with automated wafer probe stations and VNA systems is preferred.
• Ability to write SOPs and maintain engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement test cases for RF BAW filter devices.
• Create calibration procedures for frequencies 2 GHz to >10 GHz.
• Drive process improvements to enhance yield and reduce costs.
• Lead test operators and coordinate with maintenance and tool vendors.

Skills

RF test engineering

Lead operators

Documentation

Cross‑functional projects

Statistical methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

VNA systems

Automated wafer probe station

KLayout CAD

JMP

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

RF TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX, providing industry‑leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi‑planetary and connecting the world through Starlink. We design, build, launch, and operate the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement test cases for new RF BAW filter devices
• Develop calibration procedures and implement them into manufacturing for devices ranging in frequency from 2 GHz to > 10 GHz
• Drive continuous process improvement to enhance yield, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs
• Develop cost‑of‑ownership and risk management models to evaluate RF probe test plans
• Sustain and optimize workflow in test work center for high‑mix environment
• Serve as tool owner for automated probe stations and VNA’s
• Lead test operators in maintaining area workflow
• Work closely with maintenance teams and tool vendors to troubleshoot and resolve tool and process issues
• Collaborate with design teams to establish ground rules and designs that optimize manufacturability
• Lead the installation of new test tools, including both capability‑enhancing tools and capacity expansion tools
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and documentation related to lithography process control
• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to monitor, control, and improve processes

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering field
• 1+ years of RF test engineering experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience with automated wafer probe station, VNA systems, design of probe cards and data analysis of RF test data
• Experience leading and directing operators
• Proficiency in JMP statistical software, Microsoft Office Suite, and KLayout CAD software
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to create detailed technical documentation and training materials
• Solid understanding of SPC, DOE, 8D, and risk/change management processes
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects or tool installation programs
• Familiarity with high‑volume manufacturing environments involving frequent product changeovers
• Experience in quality audits and yield improvement initiatives

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones
• This position will sit 100% onsite in our Canandaigua, NY facility

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

• RF Test Engineer/Level I: $85,000.00 – $115,000.00 per year
• RF Test Engineer/Level II: $100,000.00 – $150,000.00 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.