Principal Antenna Systems Engineer

4 weeks ago


Hawthorne, California, United States SpaceX Full time

At SpaceX, we are pushing the boundaries of space technology to make humanity a multi-planetary species. As a Principal Antenna Systems Engineer, you will be part of our Starshield team, working on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security. Our team is looking for experienced antenna engineers with expertise in small antenna design, phased array and reflector antenna systems, and/or antenna test and design validation.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop advanced antenna and feed systems for next-generation products, including phased array and reflector products.
  • Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends.
  • Contribute to the 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 the 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.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering.
  • 8+ years of research or development experience in the areas of RF and antennas (internship and thesis work are acceptable).
  • Experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD.
  • Experience with basic 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: $200,000.00 - $270,000.00 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 $15,000 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 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 and 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 notify the Human Resources Department at SpaceX.



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