Sr. RF Hardware Engineer (Avionics)

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.

SR. RF HARDWARE ENGINEER (AVIONICS)

As a Sr. RF Hardware Development Engineer, you will streamline the production of Avionics hardware across SpaceX’s fleet of spacecraft and launch vehicles, and design new avionics as part of spacecraft system re-architectures. In addition to designing new hardware from scratch, you will also be responsible for spearheading improvement throughout the life cycle of a given RF product by troubleshooting electronic assemblies, identifying the root cause of the issue, making design updates to fix the issue, designing fixtures/tools, and improving reliability/manufacturability. By driving improvements to vehicle architectures and RF hardware designs, you will help SpaceX take another step towards exploring the stars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design new hardware, redesign existing hardware, and perform modifications to PCBAs and mechanical drawings to improve their reliability and manufacturability
• Responsible for troubleshooting avionics hardware spanning PCBA board testing and defect detection, full functional testing of an assembled unit, and resolving on-vehicle anomalies
• Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to reliability and manufacturability
• Design and troubleshoot RF (UHF, S-Band, X, Ka, or Ku bands) test setups and associated support equipment to support execution of testing strategies
• Participate in manufacturing assessments of new RF designs and drive optimization for manufacturability and cost

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• 5+ years of experience with electronic components, environments testing, unit level testing, or RF systems (significant academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
• 5+ years of experience using 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD)
• 5+ years of experience with Matlab, LabVIEW, Python, SPICE, SQL, and/or National Instruments hardware
• Laboratory experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, channel emulators, oscilloscopes, and power meters

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory
• Ability to design and integrate RF circuit elements such as LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, and antennas
• Proficiency with one or more RF simulation software platforms such as CST, HFSS, ADS, Microwave Office, & Momentum
• Expert using radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as PSK, APSK
• Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, burn-in, and TVAC
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout software (KiCad, Altium, Eagle)
• Experience with electrical simulation software (LTspice, SIMetrix, or similar)
• Creative problem solver that can bring multiple disciplines together with the ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: RF Hardware Engineer/Senior: $130,000.00 - $200,000.00/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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the 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.