Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites
Job description
About the role
In this role, you will be instrumental in the design, execution, and validation of electrical hardware for the Starlink satellite network and its associated ground communication systems. As part of a diverse team, your focus will be on creating high-performance wireless digital communication systems, addressing everything from antenna design to protocol implementation.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Develop and simulate models for advanced communication systems to ensure optimal performance.
- Work closely with system architects and engineers specializing in antennas, modems/DSP, and ASICs to effectively distribute tasks between hardware and software components.
- Assess the feasibility of designs to align with architectural requirements and specifications.
- Define top-level specifications for RF links, antenna subsystems, and overall RF systems.
- Conduct thorough analyses and characterizations of system performance metrics.
- Offer technical assistance to teams involved in market access, coordination, and regulatory compliance.
- Participate in design reviews and contribute to the iterative improvement of system designs.
- Document design processes and results to maintain a comprehensive record of project developments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.
- Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in RF/microwave engineering to inform design decisions.
- Engage in testing and validation of prototypes to ensure they meet specified performance criteria.
- Mentor junior engineers and interns, sharing knowledge and best practices in RF design and simulation.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field is essential.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in RF/microwave circuit design, either in an industry or research setting.
- A minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience with 3D electromagnetic simulation software, such as HFSS, CST, FEKO, EMPro, SEMCAD, XFDTD, or TICRA.
- Willingness to work weekends or extended hours as necessary to meet critical project deadlines.
- Compliance with ITAR regulations is mandatory; candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Nice to have
- A master's degree in electrical or computer engineering, particularly with a concentration in electromagnetic theory or RF/microwave circuits, is preferred.
- Experience with both linear and non-linear circuit designs, including phase-locked loops (PLLs), filters, mixers, low noise amplifiers, and power amplifiers.
- Familiarity with RF passive components and their applications in circuit design.
- Proficient in using test equipment such as vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and vector signal generators.
- Experience in characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies is advantageous.
- Knowledge of digital communication systems, including modulation techniques like QAM, APSK, and QPSK, as well as multi-carrier or spread spectrum methods.
- Proficiency in RF/microwave design tools such as AWR, HFSS, ADS, or similar software.
- Understanding of antenna systems and principles of electromagnetic propagation.
- Experience with PCB layout and schematic design using Altium Designer or similar platforms.
- Programming skills in C++, Python, or Matlab for RF system analysis and modeling.
- Familiarity with LabVIEW or Python for automating testing processes.
- A solid grasp of digital communication theory, particularly concerning system noise figure and bit error rate.
- Experience with RF/microwave design across various frequency bands, including V, E, Ka, and Ku.
Skills & tools
- 3D electromagnetic simulation software (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA, XFDTD)
- RF/microwave design applications (ADS, AWR)
- Altium Designer for PCB design
- Programming languages including Matlab, Python, C++, and LabVIEW
- Radio testing equipment for performance evaluation
Practical notes
The compensation package encompasses a base salary along with potential discretionary bonuses and long-term incentives, which may include stock options or company shares. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and both short and long-term disability coverage. Additional perks include paid parental leave, three weeks of paid vacation, and at least ten paid holidays annually. For convenience, company shuttles provide transportation from selected locations in Seattle to the Redmond office, ensuring easy access for all employees.
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.