ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARLINK & DIRECT TO CELL)

SpaceX is leveraging its 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 3M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer products 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

In addition to broadband internet, Starlink is developing a breakthrough new Direct to Cell satellite network to bring ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with telecommunication companies around the world to bring this service directly from satellites to existing LTE devices with the goal of providing coverage anywhere the devices can see the sky.

As a member of the Antenna Engineering team, you’ll have extreme ownership of phased array antennas, parabolic antennas, other RF systems for the satellites, gateways, and customer-facing hardware, and the opportunity to develop something entirely new to the market. You’ll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial conception to manufacturing.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design of advanced antenna and feed systems in support of next generation products including phased array and reflector products
• Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems and 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 and consumer phased array products
• Perform design 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 RF and antennas 
• 1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools such as 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 start-up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• 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:

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.