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 supports the mission to revolutionize orbital flight and space travel- opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species.

Our team builds some of the most advanced electronics ever flown in space- at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry.

Become a part of this fast moving and world class hardware development team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, and achieve truly audacious goals.

If you’re ready for a challenge and would like to help make our civilization multi-planetary then you’ve come to the right place!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform analysis to support system architecture trades or verify the system design – including antenna pattern coverage, co-site interference, link budgets, multiple access, etc.
• Test RF system compatibility and end-to-end performance
• Develop and support simulation and data review infrastructure for RF communications and sensors/instruments
• Conduct or participate in customer and/or program technical review or flight readiness presentations
• Ensure compliance through analysis, test, and operations with spectrum licensing and regulations
• Lead and conduct troubleshooting and root cause system level performance anomalies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering with focus on signal processing, communication and navigation systems, or RF design
• Experience with link budget analysis, power flux density, dilution of precision, doppler, etc
• Experience with digital communication theory and testing, Bit Error Rate, EVM and System Noise Figure
• Experience with testing antennas in far-field or near-field measurement chambers
• Experience with revision control systems such as Git and SVN, and familiar with Linux terminal
• Experience with Python (or other language) for data analysis
• Competency with simulation/modeling software development including testing and continuous integration
• Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

RF Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $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.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.