Antenna Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

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 (STARLINK MOBILE)

SpaceX is developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver cellular connectivity worldwide through the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Starlink Mobile is designed to connect the unconnected and this new product will greatly expand that mission.

As an antenna engineer on the Starlink Mobile program you will be responsible for the design verification and validation of the phased array antennas that make satellite-to-mobile communication possible. 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 a conceptual design to full-scale production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design of advanced antenna and feed systems in support of next generation phased array antennas and their test systems
• Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas feed systems and radio frequency (RF) front ends
• Contribute to development of software and testing of digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased array functionality
• Provide phased array expertise to set specifications and debug problems covering satellite phased array and ground test products
• Perform validation testing of prototype and production designs
• Contribute to various aspects of the integration of the antennas into spacecraft and other systems
• Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data of units and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline
• 2 years of research or development experience in the areas of RF and antennas (internship and thesis work acceptable)
• 1 years of experience using one of the 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools: CST HFSS FEKO EMPro TICRA or XFDTD

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in electrical engineering with some research/thesis work on RF or antennas
• 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 or MATLAB
• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic/reverb chambers near field EM measurements
• Familiarity with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR ADS Genesys
• Familiarity with antenna prototyping tools and techniques
• Ability to work in a fast paced autonomously driven and demanding work environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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 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.