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 of enabling human life on Mars.

ANTENNA ENGINEER - PARABOLIC & WAVEGUIDE (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s 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. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a member of the Antenna Engineering team, you’ll 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. You’ll 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:

Bachelor’s 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:

Master’s 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:

Pay range:

Antenna Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

Antenna Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 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.