SpaceX
Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
SpaceX, Redmond, Washington, United States, 98052
Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
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Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
role at
SpaceX . SpaceX is actively developing technologies to make a future where humanity explores the stars a reality, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
About Starlink Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to 8M+ users worldwide.
At SpaceX we design, build, test, and operate the system – millions of satellites, consumer receivers, and the surrounding software – and we are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to maximize its utility worldwide.
Responsibilities
Solve end‑to‑end RF communication system design.
Simulate and model communication systems.
Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
Assess feasibility of designs to support architectural definition.
Derive top‑level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystems.
Characterize and analyze system performance.
Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teams.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related engineering discipline.
5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
1+ year of experience using 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD.
Preferred Skills And Experience
Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory.
Experience designing linear and non‑linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low‑noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs.
Thorough understanding of RF passive components.
Familiarity with radio‑related test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, etc.).
Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies.
Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single‑ and multi‑carrier techniques, and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK, and QAM.
Experience with RF/Microwave design tools such as ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar.
Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems.
Experience with schematic and layout using Altium Designer or another PCB design tool.
Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems.
Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation.
Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit‑error rate and system noise figure.
RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V, and E‑band frequency ranges.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission‑critical deadlines.
Compensation And Benefits Pay range: $160,000.00 – $220,000.00 per year for RF Systems Engineer/Senior. Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis. SpaceX offers long‑term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and other perks. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday‑to‑Friday.
ITAR Requirements
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, an asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Learn more about the ITAR here.
EEO Statement SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed by merit and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected status. Applicants wishing to view SpaceX’s affirmative action plan or requiring reasonable accommodation should contact
EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
Location Redmond, WA
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Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
role at
SpaceX . SpaceX is actively developing technologies to make a future where humanity explores the stars a reality, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
About Starlink Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to 8M+ users worldwide.
At SpaceX we design, build, test, and operate the system – millions of satellites, consumer receivers, and the surrounding software – and we are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to maximize its utility worldwide.
Responsibilities
Solve end‑to‑end RF communication system design.
Simulate and model communication systems.
Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
Assess feasibility of designs to support architectural definition.
Derive top‑level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystems.
Characterize and analyze system performance.
Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teams.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related engineering discipline.
5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
1+ year of experience using 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD.
Preferred Skills And Experience
Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory.
Experience designing linear and non‑linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low‑noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs.
Thorough understanding of RF passive components.
Familiarity with radio‑related test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, etc.).
Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies.
Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single‑ and multi‑carrier techniques, and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK, and QAM.
Experience with RF/Microwave design tools such as ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar.
Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems.
Experience with schematic and layout using Altium Designer or another PCB design tool.
Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems.
Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation.
Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit‑error rate and system noise figure.
RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V, and E‑band frequency ranges.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission‑critical deadlines.
Compensation And Benefits Pay range: $160,000.00 – $220,000.00 per year for RF Systems Engineer/Senior. Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis. SpaceX offers long‑term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and other perks. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday‑to‑Friday.
ITAR Requirements
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, an asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Learn more about the ITAR here.
EEO Statement SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed by merit and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected status. Applicants wishing to view SpaceX’s affirmative action plan or requiring reasonable accommodation should contact
EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
Location Redmond, WA
#J-18808-Ljbffr