SpaceX 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.
SR. ANTENNA ENGINEER, CONSUMER HARDWARE (STARLINK)
Starlink believes that everyone should have access to fast, reliable internet, no matter where they live. The Starlink Product Engineering team designs and manufactures products that enable people around the world to connect to our constellation of satellites. We strive to create consumer electronics that are both technically sophisticated and easy for people to use everywhere.
As a Sr. Antenna Engineer on the Starlink team, you will have full ownership of the all phased array, Wi-Fi, and other RF systems for this customer-facing hardware. You will design, implement, and verify small router antennas, phased arrays, and reflector antenna systems. 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 initial concept development to full scale production.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design advanced antenna for high performance MIMO WiFi routers
- Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends
- Simulate antenna designs and system level MIMO performance
- Analyze collected data and collaborate with RF/antenna engineers to understand device performance, help resolve design issues, and make innovative improvements on current and future products
- Develop solutions ranging from production line operations occurring thousands of time an hour to detailed new design validation testing
- Write automation software in python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems
- Partner with cross-functional teams to achieve the ideal tradeoff between product performance and industrial design
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics
- 7+ years of research or development experience in RF and antennas (internship, project & thesis work are acceptable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 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++, MATLAB or equivalent language
- Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing of antenna
- Familiar with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic/reverb chambers, near field EM measurements
- Familiar with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys
- Familiar with antenna prototyping tools and techniques
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Experience in moderate to high volume electronics manufacturing
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Antenna Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $220,000.00/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, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.