SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Sr. Antenna Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TXOnsiteFull TimeSeniorPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Starlink
Phased Array
Wi-Fi
RF Systems
Antenna Systems
Gateway Antennas
Consumer Hardware
Spectrum Analyzers
Vector Signal Analyzers
Vector Signal Generators

Nice to have

RF/Antenna Engineering
Wireless Communications Systems
Link Budgets and Analysis
Microwave Frequencies
mmWave Frequencies
Waveguide Systems

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Antenna Engineer for its Starlink project, focusing on designing, fabricating, and testing phased array, Wi-Fi, and other RF systems for customer-facing hardware and gateway antennas. The role involves creating electromagnetic simulation models, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and developing rapid test solutions. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years of experience with antennas/communication systems, radio test equipment, and programming in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB. Experience with wireless communications systems, antenna theory, link budgets, and RF components is preferred. The position requires influencing constellation operations and working towards full-scale production.

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 (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation that provides fast, reliable internet to millions of 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.

As a Sr. Starlink Antenna Engineer, you will have full ownership of all phased array, Wi-Fi, and other RF systems for this customer-facing hardware. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. In addition, you will own advanced parabolic antenna systems for our gateways/ground stations, which we deploy regionally throughout the world. 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, fabricate, and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends for next-generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products

Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance

Work in close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, digital signal processing, and software engineering teams to design and validate RF systems

Create and test phased array alignment solutions

Rapidly develop design, validation, and production test solutions for our high-volume consumer products and gateway antennas

Write automation software in python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline

5+ years of professional experience with antennas or communication systems

5+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers

5+ years of professional programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering

Experience designing wireless communications systems

Experience with basic principles of antenna theory

Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications

Thorough understanding of RF active and passive components

Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies

Experience working with waveguide systems at mmWave frequencies

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Passion for problem solving

Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

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.

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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