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.
RF AND MODEM INTEGRATION AND TEST ENGINEER
As a member of the integration/test team, this position will play a
critical role for integrating, testing and evaluating the functional
performance, reliability and robustness of a complex satellite
communication network. You will integrate the communication system
components on satellite and ground station. You will explore, assess,
track, and report performance status to project leaders. You will
implement tools to conduct, track and improve testing processes and
effectiveness. You will ensure that satellites and ground network
provide the best possible communications system performance while also
ensuring compliance with our operating licenses.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Integrate and test satellite and ground broadband communications
system components
- Analyze and implement RF and modem components supporting satellites
and ground stations
- Design and deploy RF converters, integration and test equipment,
auxiliary and ancillary equipment in support of integration lab and
field testing
- Develop link budgets and cascades for analyzing performance
expectations based on fielded/implemented designs. Investigate
discrepancies between expected and actual link performance through
the analysis of operational data.
- Provide expertise in performance verification of modem system
performance parameters
- Understand and maintain regulatory requirements for satellite
systems on a country basis.
- Development of integration/test scripts.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
- 5+ years of work experience.
- Previous work experience in characterizing radio performance in
Ku-Band and Ka-Bands.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Masters of Science degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in
RF or Radio Communication.
- Communications systems design, or integration and test experience in
Wi-Fi, Cellular or satellite systems.
- Understanding of RF passive components such as hybrid couplers,
Wilkinson dividers, waveguide, circulators, and
directional couplers.
- Knowledge of digital communication systems, single and multi-carrier
techniques and modulation types such as BPSK, QPSK, QAM, PCM/FM,
APSK, SC-FDMA, OFDM and OFDMA.
- Experience in multiple access communication systems such as TDMA,
CDMA and FDMA.
- Understanding of channel coding such as LDPC, turbo codes,
Reed-Solomon or convolutional codes.
- Understanding of communication theory with emphasis on modulation,
bit error rate, block error rate.
- Understanding of RF concepts such as AGC, noise figure, power
amplifier, phase noise, PLL, oscillators/mixers.
- Experience in modeling RF and channel impairments such as multipath,
phase noise, group delay, fading and nonlinear distortion.
- Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation.
- Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling
and analyzing RF systems.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations,
including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you
must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S.,
protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible
to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department
of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is
governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will
not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender,
national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age,
sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical
disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan
for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring
reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should
notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.