Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

1d•$165,000 - $265,000

About The Position

The Sr. RF Engineer will work on advanced Starshield development programs supporting U.S. national security. Starshield applies Starlink technology and SpaceX launch capabilities to government applications, initially focusing on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The engineer will collaborate with RF, DSP, software, hardware, and FPGA engineers, as well as end users, to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low Earth orbit. The role is in a collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on rapidly moving solutions from design and demonstration to operational capability. The position involves program-level RF system design decisions, researching solutions for large-scale satellite RF systems, developing and supporting RF hardware throughout its life cycle, electromagnetic simulation, and modifying schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications. Work may include extended hours and weekends as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering.
At least 5 years of RF engineering experience.
Experience with modeling and analysis tools or software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python.
Experience with RF test equipment such as a VNA and spectrum analyzer.
Experience creating and maintaining link budgets and analyses for communications or remote sensing systems.
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis in microwave/RF engineering.
At least 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field.
Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading, and nonlinear distortion.
Experience designing RF systems, including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless communications.
Experience with basic principles of antenna theory.
Experience with software-defined radios and frameworks such as GNU Radio.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs.
Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems.
Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems.
Develop and provide full life-cycle support for RF hardware, including PCBA board testing and defect detection, functional testing of assembled units, and resolution of on-orbit vehicle anomalies.
Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware, including antennas, filters, and PCB layouts, to design and evaluate performance.
Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications to address reliability and manufacturability.

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.
Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Up to 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.
A 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, for employees with an active clearance once officially briefed into a classified program.