Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Mississippi; On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, where you'll leverage your expertise in RF circuit design to develop innovative solutions for a groundbreaking satellite internet system. Collaborate with a talented team to create next-generation RFICs that enhance connectivity worldwide. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space and ground infrastructures. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a global impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

Paid holidays (10 or more)

Company stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Company shuttles for commuting

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in RF/microwave circuit design required.
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Simulate RF front-end systems and derive specifications.
• Develop RF/microwave circuits and evaluate prototypes.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

Digital communication theory

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Programming in Python

Matlab

C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree or PhD in engineering

Tools

ADS

HFSS

AWR

Altium Designer

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Network analyzers

LabVIEW

Job description

SR. RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

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 5M+ 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.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Microwave engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Simulate/model RF front-end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Derive RF HW specifications for the RF system and RF blocks
• Develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, board and packages
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components
• Characterize and analyze full radio performance
• Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF avionics components and systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline 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 tools
• 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 long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
RF Software 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. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.