SpaceX Hiring for RF Test Engineer (Starlink & Direct to Cell) at Sunnyvale, CA  Full Time

RF TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK & DIRECT TO CELL)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 2M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for the implementation, verification, and debugging of mobile phone and LTE probe antenna systems. In this hands-on role, you will be actively pursuing the design of tests to verify our designed hardware meets all desired specifications, leading debugging efforts of sub optimal performance, and investigating design changes to improve the products.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, carry out, and iterate on mobile phone testing in real life environments to make sure the Direct to Cell satellites are performing as desired
• Analyze collected data and collaborate with RF/antenna engineers to understand device performance and help resolve design issues, including phased array beam pointing and calibrations using ground probes
• Write automation software in python or Matlab to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems
• Root cause test failures to ensure issues are fully understood and to provide design recommendations for the product to increase performance, reliability, and yield
• Interface with senior leadership to influence the fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial concept development to full-scale production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ year experience with radio test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers)
• 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or similar engineering degree
• Knowledge of WiFi, LTE, 5G, or other wireless protocols
• 1+ years of experience analyzing electrical schematics to develop test plans, improve test coverage, and root cause issues
• 1+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging RF electronics (WiFi routers, phased arrays, modems)
• 1+ years of professional experience with fast-paced projects
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to travel domestically or internationally as needed
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
RF Test Engineer/Level I: $130,000.00 – $155,000.00/per year
RF Test Engineer/Level II: $150,000.00 – $180,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.