RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

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/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC 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: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/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