Sr. RF Systems Engineer, Satellite R&D at SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA, United States
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. SpaceX has successfully upended the pace of development and operation within the space industry. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER, SATELLITE R&D - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
The spacecraft engineering team in Hawthorne is growing to support our R&D satellite programs that are pushing the boundaries of in-space capabilities. Our missions support scientific research, classified national security space and commercial opportunities. As we grow our manifest, we are looking for Sr. RF Systems Engineers to join our team.
As a Sr. RF Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for simulating and modeling the communication systems for the next generation of satellites and Earth Stations by helping to define their architectures and specifications. Your expertise will shape SpaceX's capabilities to provide high quality communication services around the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Simulate and model communication systems
Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
Assess feasibility of various designs in support of architecture definition
Derive top level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystems
Characterize and analyze system performance
Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teams
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or other tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
5+ years of research or development experience in the general areas of RF and antennas (internship and thesis work are applicable)
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or ability to obtain a clearance
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or communication theory
Experience performing analysis and simulation of communication systems
Thorough understanding of RF passive and active components
Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques, modulation types such as PSK, APSK, QAM
Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
Knowledge of RF transceiver architectures and digital communication theory
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to hit critical milestones
Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
