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. ANTENNA ENGINEER - PARABOLIC & WAVEGUIDE (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, products that allow users 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team. As a member of the Antenna Engineering team, you’ll have extreme ownership of parabolic reflector antennas, waveguide feed systems, and associated RF components for satellites and gateways. You will drive the design, optimization, and implementation of high-performance reflectors and waveguide based networks from concept through manufacturing and on-orbit operation. You’ll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental aspects of our constellation while collaborating closely with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams.
Responsibilities:
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Design and optimization of parabolic reflector antennas and multi-band (10 – 100+ GHz) feed systems
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Design of waveguide components including orthomode transducers (OMTs), polarizers, diplexers, filters, and transitions
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Conduct design validation of components including vector network analyzer measurements, pattern measurements, and integrated active network testing
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Fabricate and characterize prototypes of parabolic antennas, feed horns, and waveguide assemblies including pattern, gain, efficiency, and high-power testing
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Partner with mechanical engineers to design and analyze surface accuracy, mechanical tolerances, and thermal distortion effects on RF performance
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Design and test of antenna radomes that cover multiple bands
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Design waveguide networks for high power systems and oversee high power RF testing
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Contribute to the mechanical integration and deployment of reflector antennas and waveguide systems into spacecraft and ground infrastructure
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Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data and develop methods to improve antenna and waveguide performance
Requirements:
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Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
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2+ years of research or development experience in RF, antennas, or microwave engineering (internship and thesis work acceptable)
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1+ years of experience using 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, TICRA GRASP, or equivalent
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Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with thesis or research focused on reflector antennas, waveguide components, or microwave engineering
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Strong experience in parabolic reflector antenna design, including reflector shaping, feed optimization, and efficiency analysis
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Hands-on design experience with waveguide components (horns, OMTs, polarizers, filters, couplers)
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Deep understanding of waveguide propagation modes, discontinuities, matching techniques, and high-power phenomena (multipaction, corona, passive intermodulation)
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Experience with TICRA or similar tools for reflector antenna analysis and optimization
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Experience with antenna and waveguide prototyping, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing techniques
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Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques (far-field, near-field, compact range) and RF test equipment
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Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysis and automation
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Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere