Sr. Antenna Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

19h

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Antenna Engineer for its Starlink Antenna Engineering team. The role focuses on phased-array antennas, parabolic antennas, and other RF systems for satellites, gateways, and customer-facing hardware. The engineer will help develop next-generation antenna and feed systems, from initial conception through manufacturing, and may influence the operation of the Starlink constellation and network. The position involves collaboration with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams, along with regular interaction with senior leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of research or development experience in RF and antennas; internship and thesis work are acceptable.
At least 1 year of experience using a 3D electromagnetic simulation tool such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD.
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering, with research or thesis work on RF or antennas.
Experience with RF concepts including impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, Smith charts, power-handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, and RF filter design.
At least 1 year of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB.
Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and tools, such as anechoic or reverberation chambers and near-field electromagnetic measurements.
Familiarity with mainstream RF circuit simulation tools such as AWR, ADS, or Genesys.
Familiarity with antenna prototyping tools and techniques.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.

Responsibilities

Design advanced antenna and feed systems for next-generation products, including phased-array and reflector products.
Fabricate and characterize antenna, feed-system, and RF-front-end prototypes.
Contribute to software development and testing of digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased-array functionality.
Provide phased-array expertise to set specifications and debug satellite and consumer phased-array products.
Perform design-validation testing of prototype and production designs.
Contribute to integrating antennas into spacecraft and other systems.
Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data and investigate ways to improve performance and debug issues.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various discounts and perks.
Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday through Friday.