Antenna 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.

ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

This team is responsible for RF engineering for the Starship vehicles. This includes both hardware product development (of radios/antennas), as well as ownership of the comm system architecture, analysis, and verification. Hardware development involves managing the development of your product, from design concept through prototyping, qualification testing, and moving into stable production. Systems roles involve extreme ownership of a system from design concept, through integration and test, and even support analysis or on-console for flight. Work may vary in frequency band from UHF (400 MHz) through Ka‑band (40 GHz). We also do work outside of communications, including GPS and radar for sensing. We support both the orbital Starship vehicle (current development that can be observed in Starbase) as well as the HLS lunar missions for NASA Artemis. We own communications from the baseband (FPGA + modem) through the passband (RF + antenna), and we work closely with mechanical, production, and integration teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design of antennas for communications and sensors, in VHF through Ka‑band Build and characterization of antenna, feed, and front‑end prototypes Development of measurement systems to support design Analysis of wireless systems (antenna isolation, patterns with large structures, propagation effects, etc.) Multidisciplinary collaboration to improve RF manufacturing, mechanical integration, and testability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline 1+ years of relevant professional or project experience with antennas or RF systems 1+ years of experience with 3D electromagnetic simulation tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline with emphasis in electromagnetic theory and/or microwave circuits Master’s degree in electrical engineering (electromagnetic or circuits) Experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzer, signal generator, network analyzer, power meters, and RF passive components Proficiency with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, RF filter design Experience with near‑field or far‑field chamber design and operation Experience with electrical schematic capture software (Altium, Orcad or similar) Experience with electromagnetics simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, Savant, or similar – including tradeoffs of FEM, MoM, FDTD, and PO methods Familiar with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys Experience with Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ programming for data analysis or test equipment interfacing Basic CAD skills for prototype designs and working directly with mechanical engineers Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: Level I: $125,000 – $145,000 per year Level II: $145,000 – $175,000 per year Actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program. Base salary is one part of the total rewards package. Additional incentives may include company stock or long‑term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; discounts and perks; 3 weeks of paid vacation; 10 + paid holidays per year; and paid sick leave in accordance with company policy.

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION COMPLIANCE

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

EEO STATEMENT

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. If you require reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP