Antenna Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) Verified today
Antenna Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
SpaceX is deploying Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation delivering fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system: thousands of satellites, consumer products, and the software that integrates it all.
As a member of the Antenna Engineering team, you'll have extreme ownership of phased array antennas, parabolic antennas, and other RF systems for satellites, gateways, and customer-facing hardware. You'll interact with senior leadership to influence constellation and network operation, and collaborate with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to move projects from conception to production.
Responsibilities
- Design advanced antenna and feed systems for next-generation phased array and reflector products
- Fabricate and characterize antenna, feed system, and RF front-end prototypes
- Contribute to software development and testing of digital beamforming systems
- Provide phased array expertise to set specifications and debug problems in satellite and consumer products
- Perform design validation testing on prototype and production designs
- Integrate antennas into spacecraft and other systems
- Analyze in-field RF performance data and investigate improvements and fixes
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 2+ years of research or development experience in RF and antennas (internship and thesis work acceptable)
- 1+ years of experience using one of these 3D EM simulation tools: CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with research or thesis work on RF or antennas
- Experience with impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, Smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, and RF filter design
- 1+ years of programming in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB
- Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic chambers, reverb chambers, and near-field EM measurements
- Experience with RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, or Genesys
- Antenna prototyping tools and techniques
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, demanding environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- 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:
- Level 1: $125,000 to $165,000
- Level 2: $145,000 to $200,000
Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is one part of total rewards. You may be eligible for long-term stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various perks. You accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time per state and federal law. Company shuttles offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.