This role pays less than
55%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,500–$192,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$145k
versus about
$165k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
As an Antenna Engineer, Satellites (Starlink), you will join the Antenna Engineering team to take ownership of phased array antennas, parabolic antennas, and other RF systems for satellites, gateways, and consumer hardware. You will design advanced antenna and feed systems, fabricate and characterize prototypes, and contribute to the development of digital beamforming software. Your daily work involves performing design validation testing, integrating components into spacecraft, and analyzing in-the-field operational RF performance data to debug issues. The role requires proficiency in 3D EM simulation tools like CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD, along with programming skills in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB. You will apply expertise in impedance matching, microwave network analysis, and antenna measurement techniques to solve complex technical challenges within the broadband internet satellite constellation infrastructure.
Design advanced antenna and feed systems for phased array and reflector products.
Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends.
Develop software and test digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased array functionality.
Set specifications and debug problems for satellite and consumer phased array products.
Perform design validation testing on both prototype and production designs.
Integrate antennas into spacecraft and other integrated systems.
Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data to improve performance and debug issues.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
2+ years of research or development experience in RF and antennas (internship and thesis work acceptable).
1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools: CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD.
Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with research/thesis work on RF or antennas (preferred).
Experience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics, microwave network analysis, and RF filter design (preferred).
1+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB (preferred).
Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques, tools like anechoic/reverb chambers, and RF circuit simulation tools such as AWR, ADS, or Genesys (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Phased Array
RF Systems
Antenna Theory
Electromagnetic Simulation
Python
C#
C++
MATLAB
Spectrum Analyzers
Vector Signal Analyzers
Network Analyzers
PCB Layout
Digital Signal Processing
mmWave
Link Budgets
Automation Software
Phased Array
RF Systems
Antenna Theory
Electromagnetic Simulation
Python
C#
C++
MATLAB
Spectrum Analyzers
Vector Signal Analyzers
Network Analyzers
Link Budgets
mmWave
Digital Signal Processing
PCB Layout
RF
Microwave Circuit Design
HFSS
CST
FEKO
ADS
AWR
Altium Designer
Python
Matlab
LabVIEW
C++
PCB Design
Spectrum Analyzers
Vector Signal Analyzers
Network Analyzers
Digital Communication Systems
Test Automation