Wifi & RF Compliance Test Engineer (Starlink) Hardware

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

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas is seeking a Wifi & RF Compliance Test Engineer to lead RF test development for Starlink WiFi products. You will collaborate with design and test teams to ensure FCC/IEEE compliance and support global certifications.

You will develop automation tools, run pre-compliance tests, analyze results, and document reports, enabling reliable, compliant wireless systems for SpaceX satellites and ground infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in WiFi or radio compliance.
• Programming/coding experience, preferably python and/or C++ as well as instrumentation automation protocols such as SCPI/VISA/NI.
• Experience operating a spectrum analyzer, vector network analyzer, power meter, oscilloscope, and base station simulator.
• Experience with 802.11 (APED), 802.3, IPv4, and IPv6.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-compliance testing and 3rd party certification testing for radio equipment in global markets per FCC, ISED, EN/IEC, ETSI, ITU and associated requirements.
• Ensure ongoing compliance for compliant designs.
• Develop automation and measurement tools to improve radio testing fidelity and efficiency.
• Set requirements for design teams working on a variety of Starlink Product applications.
• Ensure products meet these requirements through cross-collaboration with the involved design teams.
• Generate and execute test plans and document results in test reports against the aforementioned standards as well as review and revise test reports generated by external test labs.
• Troubleshoot RF issues from board to system level.
• Operate and automate a variety of EMI, RF, and electronics test equipment.
• Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner.
• Support engineering effectively and confidently with creative thinking and rigor – question the status quo while adhering to documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards

Skills

WiFi testing

RF testing

Python

SCPI/VISA

Spectrum analysis

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Physics or related field

Tools

Vector network analyzer

Oscilloscope

Power meter

Spectrum analyzer

Job description

Wifi & RF Compliance Test Engineer (Starlink)

Lead the development of RF compliance tests for Starlink WiFi products

Location: Bastrop, Texas

About The Role

WIFI & RF COMPLIANCE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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.

As a member of our fast-paced electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) team, you will be responsible for ensuring RF product compliance on wireless systems utilized for Starlink high speed satellite internet access with a focus on WiFi applications. The E3 team at SpaceX performs exhaustive analysis, design, and test at the board, unit, subsystem, and system levels with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of rocket, spacecraft, and ground support equipment hardware and electronics. As one of the few teams required to interface with the design, manufacturing, and production teams, the E3 team plays a critical role in the development of SpaceX systems as we advance our efforts towards broadband satellite internet and safe, reliable, inexpensive, and innovative access to space with the fundamental goal of expanding human space exploration capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Support pre-compliance testing and 3rd party certification testing for radio equipment in global markets per FCC, ISED, EN/IEC, ETSI, ITU and associated requirements
• Ensure ongoing compliance for compliant designs
• Develop automation and measurement tools to improve radio testing fidelity and efficiency
• Set requirements for design teams working on a variety of Starlink Product applications
• Ensure products meet these requirements through cross-collaboration with the involved design teams
• Generate and execute test plans and document results in test reports against the aforementioned standards as well as review and revise test reports generated by external test labs
• Troubleshoot RF issues from board to system level
• Operate and automate a variety of EMI, RF, and electronics test equipment
• Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner
• Support engineering effectively and confidently with creative thinking and rigor – question the status quo while adhering to documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience in WiFi or radio compliance
• Programming/coding experience, preferably python and/or C++ as well as instrumentation automation protocols such as SCPI/VISA/NI
• Experience operating a spectrum analyzer, vector network analyzer, power meter, oscilloscope, and base station simulator
• Experience with 802.11 (APED), 802.3, IPv4, and IPv6

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience, including WiFi Radio/RF compliance, analysis, design, and testing
• Previous experience with CISPR/FCC radio and EMC standards and requirements
• EMC lab experience, including accreditation, maintenance and calibration
• Experience performing radio and/or EMC testing
• Proficiency with Python
• Proficiency with Linux systems
• Wi‑Fi Alliance Certification experience
• Experience with other international EMC and radio requirements for global market access
• Knowledge of electrical safety and EMC commercial compliance standards, requirements and test methods for consumer electronics and commercial applications
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting radio compliance issues from board to system level
• Previous work experience with reading, interpreting and following circuit schematics, PCB layouts, engineering drawings, BOMs, cable harnesses, wiring schematics, interface diagrams, layout drawings, mechanical drawings, and CAD software
• Experience with electrical circuit analysis using simulation tools such as Spice or equivalent
• Experience in a fast-paced work environment with production hardware
• Familiarity with phased array antenna operating principles and fundamentals
• Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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