Sr. 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.

SR. RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink and Starlink Mobile. Starlink is the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Starlink Mobile network expands Starlink’s vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, the backhaul gateways on the ground, the user terminals that allow customers 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 and technically excellent Sr. RF/Microwave engineer to help develop cutting-edge RFICs, MMICs, RF modules, and System-in-Package (SiP) solutions for deployment in Starlink’s satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. We are working on next-generation hardware with operating frequencies ranging from cellular to mmWave. Come join us and contribute to RF systems that will the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, passive/printed components, substrates, transitions, chip breakouts, matching networks, and packages (e.g. QFN, BGA)

Design RF modules and SiPs, consisting of RFICs, BAW/SAW filters, SMDs, printed passives, etc.

Test RF components (RFIC, MMICs, Modules) in the lab

Develop hardware (PCBAs, coupons, sockets) and procure the necessary test equipment for complete RF component characterization and qualification (probing, bench testing, ESD testing, HTOL, etc.)

Derive RF system and RF block specifications

Work with manufacturing engineers and customer teams on production test and debug of RF assemblies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

5+ 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/systems 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 and EM principles

MMIC and/or RFIC design (full cycle) experience

Module/SiP design (full cycle) experience

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

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

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

Python programming experience for test automation

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.