SpaceX
Antenna Engineer - Parabolic & Waveguide (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks an Antenna Engineer to design and optimize parabolic reflector antennas and waveguide feed systems for Starlink satellites and gateways. You'll drive antenna development from concept through manufacturing and on-orbit operation, collaborating with mechanical, thermal, and test teams to deliver high-performance RF components across 10–100+ GHz bands.
What you'll do
- Design and optimize parabolic reflector antennas and multi-band feed systems (10–100+ GHz)
- Design waveguide components including OMTs, polarizers, diplexers, filters, and transitions
- Conduct design validation through VNA measurements, pattern measurements, and integrated active network testing
- Fabricate and characterize antenna and waveguide prototypes, including pattern, gain, efficiency, and high-power testing
- Partner with mechanical engineers on surface accuracy, tolerances, and thermal distortion effects on RF performance
- Analyze field operational data and develop methods to improve antenna and waveguide performance
What they're looking for
- Parabolic reflector antenna design and optimization
- Waveguide component design (horns, OMTs, polarizers, filters)
- 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, TICRA GRASP)
- RF and microwave engineering
- Antenna measurement techniques (far-field, near-field, compact range)
- High-power RF testing and phenomena (multipaction, corona, PIM)
- Python or MATLAB programming for analysis and automation
- Prototyping and manufacturing (CNC machining, additive manufacturing)
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
- Company stock options and long-term incentives
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discount
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Discretionary bonuses
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through a parabolic reflector antenna design you've developed—how did you optimize feed placement and efficiency?
- Describe your hands-on experience with waveguide component prototyping and manufacturing. What challenges did you encounter?