Antenna Engineer Parabolic & Waveguide (Starlink)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

ANTENNA ENGINEER - PARABOLIC & WAVEGUIDE (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink the worlds most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the worlds largest satellite constellation and is providing fast reliable internet to 10M users worldwide. We design build test and operate all parts of the system thousands of satellites products that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing and the software that brings it all together. Weve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlinks potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation were looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a member of the Antenna Engineering team youll have extreme ownership of parabolic reflector antennas waveguide feed systems and associated RF components for satellites and gateways. You will drive the design optimization and implementation of high-performance reflectors and waveguide based networks from concept through manufacturing and on-orbit operation. Youll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental aspects of our constellation while collaborating closely with mechanical thermal manufacturing and test teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and optimization of parabolic reflector antennas and multi-band (10 100 GHz) feed systems
• Design of waveguide components including orthomode transducers (OMTs) polarizers diplexers filters and transitions
• Conduct design validation of components including vector network analyzer measurements pattern measurements and integrated active network testing
• Fabricate and characterize prototypes of parabolic antennas feed horns and waveguide assemblies including pattern gain efficiency and high-power testing
• Partner with mechanical engineers to design and analyze surface accuracy mechanical tolerances and thermal distortion effects on RF performance
• Design and test of antenna radomes that cover multiple bands
• Design waveguide networks for high power systems and oversee high power RF testing
• Contribute to the mechanical integration and deployment of reflector antennas and waveguide systems into spacecraft and ground infrastructure
• Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data and develop methods to improve antenna and waveguide performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline
• 2 years of research or development experience in RF antennas or microwave engineering (internship and thesis work acceptable)
• 1 years of experience using 3D EM simulation tools such as CST HFSS FEKO TICRA GRASP or equivalent

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in electrical engineering with thesis or research focused on reflector antennas waveguide components or microwave engineering
• Strong experience in parabolic reflector antenna design including reflector shaping feed optimization and efficiency analysis
• Hands-on design experience with waveguide components (horns OMTs polarizers filters couplers)
• Deep understanding of waveguide propagation modes discontinuities matching techniques and high-power phenomena (multipaction corona passive intermodulation)
• Experience with TICRA or similar tools for reflector antenna analysis and optimization
• Experience with antenna and waveguide prototyping CNC machining and additive manufacturing techniques
• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques (far-field near-field compact range) and RF test equipment
• Programming experience in Python MATLAB or similar for data analysis and automation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced autonomously driven and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry

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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.