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 ENGINEER
This position is a critical part of the team responsible for ensuring
communication with a complex satellite network utilizing a global ground
station network. You will ensure that the ground network provides the
best possible radio link performance while also ensuring compliance with
our operating licenses.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the design, analysis, and implementation RF components
supporting satellite ground stations
- 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 operations data.
- Investigate and propose design changes to improve system performance
while reducing deployment and/or operations cost.
- Assist in preparing technical material in support of spectrum
licensing and regulatory compliance
- Understand and maintain regulatory requirements for satellite
systems on a country basis.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
- 5+ years of work experience.
- Previous experience characterizing radio performance in Ku-Band
and Ka-Band.
- Previous experience using RF related test equipment such as spectrum
analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator,
network analyzers.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Masters of Science degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in
RF or Radio Communication.
- Understanding of RF passive components such as hybrid couplers,
Wilkinson dividers, waveguide, circulators, and
directional couplers.
- Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single
and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK
and QAM.
- Understanding communication theory with emphasis on modulation, bit
error rate and noise figure.
- Experience performing analysis and simulation of both linear and
non-linear circuits such as phase-locked loops, vector
modulators/demodulators, oscillators, mixers, multipliers,
synthesizers, low noise and/or power amplifiers.
- Have specified and developed full communications systems in cellular
or satellite systems.
- 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,
applicant 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 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.