Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

About the role

This position is centered on the Starshield program, which adapts Starlink technology for national security applications including remote sensing and government communications. You will join a multidisciplinary team to develop, test, and deploy RF systems for low earth orbit satellites. The role requires deep ownership of the RF chain from concept to orbit, ensuring performance meets stringent security and reliability standards. You will pioneer original methods for large-scale satellite RF platforms while maintaining rigorous technical oversight. Collaboration is central, as you work alongside diverse experts to integrate complex systems seamlessly. Success in this role means driving technical decisions that define the architecture of critical space-based assets. You will be responsible for resolving challenging on-orbit anomalies with speed and precision. This is a mission-critical role where your work directly supports national security objectives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead technical decisions regarding RF system architecture for Starshield payloads and ground interfaces.
• Investigate original methods for large-scale satellite RF platforms to enhance performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with FPGA, hardware, software, and DSP teams to validate designs through co-simulation and testing.
• Manage the full development lifecycle from PCBA testing and defect identification to on-orbit anomaly resolution.
• Build electromagnetic models for antennas, filters, and PCB layouts to verify performance against stringent specifications.
• Update electrical schematics and mechanical designs to improve manufacturing, testability, and long-term reliability.
• Define and execute comprehensive test strategies covering RF, analog, and digital domains to ensure system integrity.
• Develop and maintain detailed link budgets for remote sensing or communications systems under various operational scenarios.
• Analyze measured data from VNA and spectrum analyzer tests to refine models and optimize hardware performance.
• Support the integration of RF components with satellite bus systems and ground station infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in electrical or computer engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of professional RF engineering experience on complex space or defense programs.
• Proficiency with analysis and modeling software such as MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, CST, Python, or C/C++.
• Hands-on experience with RF test hardware including spectrum analyzers and VNAs for diagnostics and validation.
• Ability to develop and maintain link budgets for remote sensing or communications systems across frequency bands.
• Demonstrated skill in using electromagnetic simulation tools to predict antenna and filter behavior in realistic environments.
• Understanding of RF circuit design principles, including low noise amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, and power amplifiers.
• Capacity to obtain and maintain a Top Secret SCI clearance to access classified program information.

Nice to have

• Master degree in electrical engineering with a focus on RF or microwave systems for advanced theoretical grounding.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in high-performance RF systems for aerospace or defense.
• Background in modeling channel impairments like phase noise, multipath, group delay, fading, and nonlinear distortion.
• Experience with radar, SIGINT, ELINT, radio astronomy, or wireless communications design to broaden system perspective.
• Understanding of antenna theory, including radiation patterns, polarization, and array design principles.
• Familiarity with software-defined radio frameworks like GNU Radio for rapid prototyping and testing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret SCI clearance with eligibility for frequent reinvestigation.

Practical notes

• Expect to work extended hours and weekends as required to meet program milestones and launch commitments.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations governing space and defense technologies.
• Active clearance holders are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing as part of safety protocols.
• This role is based in Hawthorne, Canada, and requires relocation or local availability depending on candidate status.
• Compensation details are provided separately and include comprehensive benefits and equity participation.
• Travel may be required for system integration, test campaigns, or program reviews at secure facilities.
• Deadlines are tied to critical program phases, including design reviews, prototype validation, and mission readiness gates.
• All personnel must adhere to SpaceX policies regarding confidentiality, quality, and operational security.

This role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge national security space systems using proven Starlink technology. You will be part of a fast-paced environment where innovation, precision, and reliability are paramount. The successful candidate will thrive in a multidisciplinary setting, balancing theoretical analysis with hands-on execution. Your expertise will help shape the future of secure communications and remote sensing from space. This is a challenging but rewarding position for an experienced RF engineer seeking to make a tangible impact on national security space missions. The work demands intellectual rigor, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence under tight timelines. If you are passionate about RF engineering and space systems, this role offers the chance to apply your skills to some of the most advanced programs in the industry.