Antenna Engineer, Satellites

About the role

SpaceX is expanding its Starlink satellite constellation to provide global broadband internet access. This role involves full lifecycle ownership of phased array and parabolic antenna systems for satellites, gateways, and user hardware. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to move designs from initial concept through to mass production. The position requires deep expertise in both theoretical and applied antenna engineering to solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for ensuring that antenna performance meets stringent orbital and operational constraints. Collaboration with hardware, software, and test engineers is central to delivering reliable and high-throughput communication systems. This role is critical to the success of global connectivity missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop advanced feed systems and antennas, including reflector and phased array products, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and performance targets are met.
• Build and test prototypes of RF front ends and antenna systems to validate design assumptions and refine mechanical integration.
• Create software and testing procedures for digital beamforming systems to enable adaptive radiation patterns and interference mitigation.
• Define specifications and troubleshoot performance issues for consumer and satellite phased array hardware across multiple frequency bands.
• Validate designs through rigorous testing and integrate antennas into spacecraft systems to support mission-critical communication links.
• Analyze field data to optimize operational RF performance and identify trends that inform future hardware iterations.
• Support the development of automated test setups that increase measurement throughput and data fidelity.
• Conduct design reviews and present technical findings to cross-functional teams to align on implementation strategies.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to ensure antenna subsystems meet end-to-end mission requirements.
• Participate in the development of test documentation, calibration procedures, and compliance artifacts for internal and external audits.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing hands-on guidance in antenna measurement techniques and simulation workflows.
• Drive innovation in antenna architectures to improve gain, bandwidth, and efficiency for evolving Starlink generations.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in an engineering field.
• Minimum 2 years of research or development experience in RF and antennas, including thesis or internship work.
• At least 1 year of experience with 3D EM simulation software: CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Nice to have

• Master degree or PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on RF or antennas.
• Proficiency in RF concepts such as Smith charts, impedance matching, microwave network analysis, power handling metrics, and filter design.
• Minimum 1 year of programming experience in C++, C#, Python, or MATLAB.
• Experience with antenna measurement tools like near field EM measurements or anechoic/reverb chambers.
• Familiarity with RF circuit simulation software such as ADS, AWR, or Genesys.
• Experience with antenna prototyping techniques.

Skills & tools

• 3D EM simulation: CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, XFDTD.
• RF circuit simulation: ADS, AWR, Genesys.
• Programming: Python, C++, C#, MATLAB.
• Measurement: Anechoic chambers, near field EM tools.

Practical notes

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Compensation: Level I pays $125,000 to $145,000 per year; Level II pays $145,000 to $175,000 per year.

• Total rewards include stock options, company stock, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Expect to work extended hours or weekends when mission-critical deadlines arise.
• Company shuttles operate between select Seattle locations and the Redmond office on weekdays.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.