RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

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.

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our 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 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.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Microwave engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Simulate/model RF front-end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains

Derive RF HW specifications for the RF system and RF blocks

Develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, board and packages

Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components

Characterize and analyze full radio performance

Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements

Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF avionics components and systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

2+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory

Experience with design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs

Thorough understanding of RF passive components

Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers

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

RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar

Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems

Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools

Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

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.