Antenna Engineer - Parabolic & Waveguide (Starlink)

Redmond, WAfull time

On Site

entry

$125k–$165k

H1B: no

SpaceX Antenna Engineer responsible for design, optimization, and implementation of parabolic reflector antennas and waveguide feed systems for Starlink satellites and gateways. Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure high-performance RF components from concept through manufacturing and on-orbit operation.

Responsibilities

Design and optimization of parabolic reflector antennas and multi-band (10 – 100+ GHz) feed systems
Design of waveguide components including orthomode transducers (OMTs), polarizers, diplexers, filters, and transitions
Conduct design validation of components including vector network analyzer measurements, pattern measurements, and integrated active network testing
Fabricate and characterize prototypes of parabolic antennas, feed horns, and waveguide assemblies including pattern, gain, efficiency, and high-power testing
Partner with mechanical engineers to design and analyze surface accuracy, mechanical tolerances, and thermal distortion effects on RF performance
Design and test of antenna radomes that cover multiple bands
Design waveguide networks for high power systems and oversee high power RF testing
Contribute to the mechanical integration and deployment of reflector antennas and waveguide systems into spacecraft and ground infrastructure
Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data and develop methods to improve antenna and waveguide performance

Qualification

Programming experience in Python

Required

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
2+ years of research or development experience in RF, antennas, or microwave engineering (internship and thesis work acceptable)
1+ years of experience using 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, TICRA GRASP, or equivalent

Preferred

Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with thesis or research focused on reflector antennas, waveguide components, or microwave engineering
Strong experience in parabolic reflector antenna design, including reflector shaping, feed optimization, and efficiency analysis
Hands-on design experience with waveguide components (horns, OMTs, polarizers, filters, couplers)
Deep understanding of waveguide propagation modes, discontinuities, matching techniques, and high-power phenomena (multipaction, corona, passive intermodulation)
Experience with TICRA or similar tools for reflector antenna analysis and optimization
Experience with antenna and waveguide prototyping, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing techniques
Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques (far-field, near-field, compact range) and RF test equipment
Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysis and automation

Benefits

Dental
Vision
401(k)
Parental Leave
Life Insurance

Company

SpaceX

View company page

Source: greenhouse

Active within the past hour

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