Sr. Antenna Engineer (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Antenna Engineer (Starlink) to own phased array, Wi‑Fi and RF systems for customer-facing hardware and gateway antennas; collaborate across teams to drive from concept to production.

Responsibilities include designing prototypes, simulating RF performance, and developing test solutions for high-volume consumer products, with strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience with antennas or communication systems.
• 5+ years of experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector analyzers, generators, network analyzers).
• 5+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends for next-generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products.
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to evaluate performance.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, DSP, and software teams to validate RF systems.
• Develop phased array alignment solutions.
• Develop design, validation, and production test solutions for high-volume products and gateway antennas.
• Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, and documentation systems.

Skills

Antenna systems

RF test equipment

Programming: Python/C#/C++/MATLAB

RF/antenna design

Antenna theory

Link budget analysis

RF components

mmWave/waveguide

Wireless communications

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master’s or PhD in RF/antenna engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Vector signal generators

Network analyzers

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 (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation that provides 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.

As a Sr. Starlink Antenna Engineer, you will have full ownership of all phased array, Wi‑Fi, and other RF systems for this customer‑facing hardware. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. In addition, you will own advanced parabolic antenna systems for our gateways/ground stations, which we deploy regionally throughout the world. You will design, implement, and verify small router antennas, phased arrays, and reflector antenna systems. You will interact regularly with senior leadership to influence the fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial concept development to full‑scale production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, fabricate, and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends for next‑generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
• Work in close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, digital signal processing, and software engineering teams to design and validate RF systems
• Create and test phased array alignment solutions
• Rapidly develop design, validation, and production test solutions for our high‑volume consumer products and gateway antennas
• Write automation software in python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience with antennas or communication systems
• 5+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
• 5+ years of professional programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering
• Experience designing wireless communications systems
• Experience with basic principles of antenna theory
• Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications
• Thorough understanding of RF active and passive components
• Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
• Experience working with waveguide systems at mmWave frequencies
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Passion for problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross‑functional role

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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 Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].