SR. RF HARDWARE ENGINEER (AVIONICS)

As a Sr. RF Hardware Development Engineer, you will streamline the production of Avionics hardware across SpaceX’s fleet of spacecraft and launch vehicles, and design new avionics as part of spacecraft system re-architectures. In addition to designing new hardware from scratch, you will also be responsible for spearheading improvement throughout the life cycle of a given RF product by troubleshooting electronic assemblies, identifying the root cause of the issue, making design updates to fix the issue, designing fixtures/tools, and improving reliability/manufacturability. By driving improvements to vehicle architectures and RF hardware designs, you will help SpaceX take another step towards exploring the stars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design new hardware, redesign existing hardware, and perform modifications to PCBAs and mechanical drawings to improve their reliability and manufacturability
• Responsible for troubleshooting avionics hardware spanning PCBA board testing and defect detection, full functional testing of an assembled unit, and resolving on-vehicle anomalies
• Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to reliability and manufacturability
• Design and troubleshoot RF (UHF, S-Band, X, Ka, or Ku bands) test setups and associated support equipment to support execution of testing strategies
• Participate in manufacturing assessments of new RF designs and drive optimization for manufacturability and cost

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• 5+ years of experience with electronic components, environments testing, unit level testing, or RF systems (significant academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
• 5+ years of experience using 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD)
• 5+ years of experience with Matlab, LabVIEW, Python, SPICE, SQL, and/or National Instruments hardware
• Laboratory experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, channel emulators, oscilloscopes, and power meters

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory
• Ability to design and integrate RF circuit elements such as LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, and antennas
• Proficiency with one or more RF simulation software platforms such as CST, HFSS, ADS, Microwave Office, & Momentum
• Expert using radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as PSK, APSK
• Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, burn-in, and TVAC
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout software (KiCad, Altium, Eagle)
• Experience with electrical simulation software (LTspice, SIMetrix, or similar)
• Creative problem solver that can bring multiple disciplines together with the ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

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.