Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering) Verified today
About the role
SpaceX is developing Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation, and Starlink Mobile to provide global broadband and cellular connectivity. We need a Sr. RF/Microwave engineer to design next-generation RF hardware for deployment across our satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals.
What you will do
- Design RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, passive components, substrates, transitions, matching networks, and packages (QFN, BGA)
- Design RF modules and System-in-Package solutions combining RFICs, BAW/SAW filters, SMDs, and printed passives
- Test RF components in the lab including probing, bench testing, ESD, and HTOL characterization
- Develop hardware (PCBAs, coupons, sockets) and procure test equipment for RF component qualification
- Derive RF system and RF block specifications
- Partner with manufacturing and customer teams on production test and debug
What we need
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- 5+ years of industry or research experience in RF/microwave circuit design
Preferred experience
- Master's or PhD in RF/microwave circuits, systems, or electromagnetic theory
- Design of power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and PLLs
- Strong understanding of RF passive components and EM principles
- Full-cycle MMIC and/or RFIC design experience
- Full-cycle module/SiP design experience
- RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or equivalent tools
- Design experience in cellular, Ku, Ka, V, E, and/or W-band frequencies
- Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools
- Matlab, Python, C++, or equivalent for RF system modeling and analysis
- Experience with spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, and other RF test equipment
- Characterization of radio performance at microwave frequencies
- Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, and modulation types (QPSK, APSK, QAM)
- Python programming for test automation
Compensation and benefits
Base salary range: $165,000 to $270,000 (Level 3), determined by experience, education, and skills. Eligible for long-term stock awards or cash incentives, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Comprehensive medical, vision, dental, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave. 3 weeks paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year. Paid sick time compliant with Washington State law. Company shuttles available Monday to Friday from Seattle to Redmond office.
Requirements
- Ability to work long hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones
- ITAR eligibility: must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or qualifying refugee/asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State