Principal Antenna Engineer (Starshield)

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. PRINCIPAL ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As an antenna engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security. SpaceX is looking for antenna engineers with experience in small antenna design, phased array and reflector antenna systems, and/or antenna test and design validation. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace. RESPONSIBILITIES: Design of advanced antenna and feed systems in support of next generation products including phased array and reflector products Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems and RF front ends Contribute to development of software and testing of digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased array functionality Provide phased array expertise to set specifications and debug problems covering satellite phased array products Lead or support integration of antennas to spacecraft and other systems Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data of units and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering 8+ years of research or development experience in the areas of RF and antennas Experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD Experience with RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, and/or RF filter design PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with some research/thesis work on RF or antennas Experience with RF systems including SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or communications Experience programming in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless communications Familiar with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic/reverb chambers, near field EM measurements Familiar with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys Familiar with antenna prototyping tools and techniques Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start­up atmosphere Excellent communication skills both written and verbal Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Antenna Engineer/Principal: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00/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. 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 just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incen