Antenna Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

About the role

SpaceX is developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver cellular connectivity worldwide through the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service, extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Starlink Mobile is designed to connect the unconnected, and this new product will greatly expand that mission.

As an antenna engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will be responsible for the design, verification, and validation of the phased array antennas that make satellite-to-mobile communication possible. 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 a conceptual design to full-scale production.

Responsibilities

• Design of advanced antenna and feed systems in support of next generation phased array antennas and their test systems
• Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and radio frequency (RF) front ends
• Contribute to development of software and testing of digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased array functionality
• Provide phased array expertise to set specifications and debug problems covering satellite phased array and ground test products
• Perform validation testing of prototype and production designs
• Contribute to various aspects of the integration of the antennas into spacecraft and other systems
• Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data of units and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of research or development experience in the areas of RF and antennas (internship and thesis work acceptable)
• 1+ years of experience using one of the 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools: CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with some research/thesis work on RF or antennas
• Experience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, RF filter design
• 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB
• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic/reverb chambers, near field EM measurements
• Familiarity with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys
• Familiarity with antenna prototyping tools and techniques
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding work environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• 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

Pay Range

Level 1: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00

Level 2: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 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.

Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.