Sr. Antenna Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Company stock options

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Senior Antenna Engineer to design advanced antennas for the Starlink satellite system. The role demands extensive experience with RF systems and simulation tools, as well as strong collaboration skills across various engineering disciplines. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have significant industry experience. The position is based in Washington and offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including stock options and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of research or development experience in RF and antennas.
• 1+ years using 3D EM simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design advanced antenna and feed systems for next-generation products.
• Fabricate prototypes of antennas and RF front ends.
• Analyze operational RF performance data and improve performance.

Skills

RF and antennas expertise

3D EM simulation tools experience

Programming in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CST

HFSS

MATLAB

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.

SR. ANTENNA ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its 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 products 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a member of the Antenna Engineering team, you'll have extreme ownership of phased array antennas, parabolic antennas, other RF systems for the satellites, gateways, and customer‑facing hardware, and the opportunity to develop something entirely new to the market. You'll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial conception to manufacturing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design advanced antenna and feed systems in support of next‑generation products including phased array and reflector products
• Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems and RF front ends
• Contribute to development of software and testing of digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased array functionality
• Provide phased array expertise to set specifications and debug problems covering satellite and consumer phased array products
• Perform design validation testing of prototype and production designs
• Contribute to various aspects of the integration of the antennas into spacecraft and other systems
• Analyze in‑the‑field operational RF performance data of units and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of research or development experience in the general areas of RF and antennas (internship and thesis work acceptable)
• 1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with some research/thesis work on RF or antennas
• Experience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, RF filter design
• 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB
• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic/reverb chambers, near field EM measurements
• Familiarity with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys
• Familiarity with antenna prototyping tools and techniques
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start‑up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: Antenna Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00 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 & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• 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 Affine Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].