RF/Microwave Engineer II (Starlink)

OverviewSpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.At SpaceX, we’re leveraging our 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 4M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers 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 and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.Our Satellite Payload Engineering team develops the RF devices that power our satellites and ground antennas - from power amplifiers to waveguide components to reflectors to antennae. The ideal candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing all elements of new high performance wireless digital communication systems from antenna to protocol level. You will be responsible for the design, implementation and verification of the electrical hardware for the satellites and ground communication systems.ResponsibilitiesSimulate and model communication systemsWork with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domainsAssess feasibility of various designs in support of architectural definitionDeriving top-level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystemsCharacterize and analyze system performanceProvide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teamsBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other engineering discipline3+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD)Preferred Skills and ExperienceMaster’s degree in electrical or computer engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory (or 2y+ industry experience)Experience with design of linear and nonlinear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLsThorough understanding of RF passive componentsFamiliar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzersExperience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequenciesKnowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAMRF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similarUnderstanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systemsSchematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design toolExperience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systemsPython and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automationDigital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figureRF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency rangeAdditional RequirementsAbility to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlinesCompensation and BenefitsPay range:RF/Microwave Engineer/Level II: 140,000 - $170,000 per yearYour 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.To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Equal OpportunitySpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-08