RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users 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, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Microwave engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Simulate/model RF front-end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
Derive RF HW specifications for the RF system and RF blocks.
Develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, board and packages.
Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components.
Characterize and analyze full radio performance.
Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements.
Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF avionics components and systems.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
2+ 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 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
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
RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
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
Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation
Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure
RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range: RF Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year RF Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.