RF Engineer (Starship)

About the role

The Starship RF team revolutionizes communications and navigation in orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Become a part of this fast moving and world class development team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, build some of the most advanced electronics ever flown at cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry, and achieve truly audacious goals. If you're ready for a challenge and want to make our civilization multi-planetary, then you've come to the right place!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, and validate RF systems for communication and sensing - from concept through production
• Analyze antenna pattern coverage, link budgets, co-site interference, multiple access, etc.
• Derive hardware specifications for RF systems and blocks, working across disciplines to understand constraints
• Develop and support simulation and data review infrastructure for RF systems
• Verify end-to-end performance and compatibility through analysis and test, ensuring compliance with spectrum licensing and regulations
• Conduct or participate in customer and/or program technical review or flight readiness presentations
• Lead and conduct troubleshooting and root cause system level performance anomalies

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or in a STEM discipline
• 1+ years of experience RF engineer
• 1+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
• 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C++, or Matlab

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering with focus on signal processing, communication and navigation systems, or RF design
• Experience with link budget analysis, power flux density, dilution of precision, doppler, etc
• Experience with digital communication theory and testing, Bit Error Rate, EVM and System Noise Figure
• Experience with testing antennas in far-field or near-field measurement chambers
• Experience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), RF filter design, and transmission line theory
• Experience with revision control systems such as Git and SVN, and familiar with Linux terminal
• Experience with linear and non-linear RF module or lineup simulation using tools such as AWR or ADS
• Competency with simulation/modeling software development including testing and continuous integration
• Competency with schematic/layout design
• Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

Pay range

RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.