Sr. RF Engineer, Customer Hardware (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled RF Engineer to contribute to the innovative Starlink project. In this dynamic role, you will design and validate cutting-edge RF systems, ensuring seamless connectivity for diverse users, from remote educators to commercial airlines. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, leveraging your expertise in antenna design and programming to drive projects from concept to production. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact global communications while working in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment. If you are passionate about technology and eager to tackle complex challenges, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

Paid holidays (10 or more)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Long-term incentives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of RF experience with antennas or communication systems.
• Proficient in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB programming.
• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or similar discipline required.

Responsibilities

• Design and characterize prototypes of antennas and RF systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to validate RF systems.
• Write automation software for testing and documentation.

Skills

RF Engineering

Antenna Design

Python Programming

Communication Systems

Electromagnetic Simulation

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum Analyzers

Vector Signal Analyzers

Vector Signal Generators

Network Analyzers

Job description

SR. RF ENGINEER, CUSTOMER HARDWARE (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 that provides 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.

As a Starlink RF Engineer, you will fully own 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. 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 and consumer wireless products
• Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
• Work in close collaboration with EE, ME, DSP and software engineers 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
• 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 RF 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 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
• 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

RF Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $220,000.00/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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.