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.
SR. RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink and Starlink Mobile. Starlink is the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Starlink Mobile network expands Starlink’s vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.
We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, the backhaul gateways on the ground, the user terminals that allow customers 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 and technically excellent Sr. RF/Microwave engineer to help develop cutting-edge RFICs, MMICs, RF modules, and System-in-Package (SiP) solutions for deployment in Starlink’s satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. We are working on next-generation hardware with operating frequencies ranging from cellular to mmWave. Come join us and contribute to RF systems that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, passive/printed components, substrates, transitions, chip breakouts, matching networks, and packages (e.g. QFN, BGA)
- Design RF modules and SiPs, consisting of RFICs, BAW/SAW filters, SMDs, printed passives, etc.
- Test RF components (RFIC, MMICs, Modules) in the lab
- Develop hardware (PCBAs, coupons, sockets) and procure the necessary test equipment for complete RF component characterization and qualification (probing, bench testing, ESD testing, HTOL, etc.)
- Derive RF system and RF block specifications
- Work with manufacturing engineers and customer teams on production test and debug of RF assemblies
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ 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/systems 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 and EM principles
- MMIC and/or RFIC design (full cycle) experience
- Module/SiP design (full cycle) experience
- RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
- RF/microwave design in cellular, Ku, Ka, V, E, and/or W-band frequency range
- 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
- 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
- Python programming experience for test automation
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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 and 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. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
