RF Engineer (Starship)

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 ENGINEER (STARSHIP)The Starship RF team revolutionizes communications and navigation in orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Become a part of this fast moving and world class development team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, build some of the most advanced electronics ever flown at cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry, and achieve truly audacious goals. If you're ready for a challenge and want to make our civilization multi-planetary, then you've come to the right place!RESPONSIBILITIES:Design, develop, analyze, and validate RF systems for communication and sensing - from concept through productionAnalyze antenna pattern coverage, link budgets, co-site interference, multiple access, etc.Derive hardware specifications for RF systems and blocks, working across disciplines to understand constraintsDevelop and support simulation and data review infrastructure for RF systemsVerify end-to-end performance and compatibility through analysis and test, ensuring compliance with spectrum licensing and regulationsConduct or participate in customer and/or program technical review or flight readiness presentationsLead and conduct troubleshooting and root cause system level performance anomaliesBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or in a STEM discipline1+ years of experience RF engineer1+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers1+ years of programming experience in Python, C++, or MatlabPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master's degree in electrical engineering with focus on signal processing, communication and navigation systems, or RF designExperience with link budget analysis, power flux density, dilution of precision, doppler, etcExperience with digital communication theory and testing, Bit Error Rate, EVM and System Noise FigureExperience with testing antennas in far-field or near-field measurement chambersExperience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), RF filter design, and transmission line theoryExperience with revision control systems such as Git and SVN, and familiar with Linux terminalExperience with linear and non-linear RF module or lineup simulation using tools such as AWR or ADSCompetency with simulation/modeling software development including testing and continuous integrationCompetency with schematic/layout designKnowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FMExcellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplinesADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestonesCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year RF 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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.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. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.