SpaceX
RF Engineer (Starshield)
About this role
SpaceX is seeking an RF Engineer to support the Starshield program, developing advanced RF capabilities for government satellite communications and earth observation systems in low earth orbit. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, validate, and support RF systems from development through on-orbit operations in a fast-paced national security environment.
What you'll do
- Lead RF system design decisions at the program level
- Research and develop novel RF solutions for large-scale satellite systems
- Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers on RF system design and validation
- Manage full lifecycle RF hardware development including PCBA testing, functional validation, and on-orbit anomaly resolution
- Create electromagnetic simulation models for antennas, filters, and PCB layouts
- Modify schematics and mechanical drawings for flight reliability and manufacturability
What they're looking for
- RF system design and analysis
- Electromagnetic simulation tools (HFSS, CST, ADS)
- MATLAB, C/C++, Python programming
- RF test equipment operation (VNA, spectrum analyzer)
- Antenna theory and design
- Link budget and communications/remote sensing analysis
- Software-defined radio frameworks (GNU Radio)
- RF channel impairment modeling
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer benefits
- 3 weeks paid vacation plus 10+ paid holidays annually
- Short and long-term disability and life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discount
- 10% clearance differential (up to $20,000 annually) for active cleared employees
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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
- Describe your experience using electromagnetic simulation tools like HFSS or CST—what RF problems have you solved with them?
- How have you collaborated with FPGA, DSP, or software engineers on integrated RF system projects?