SpaceX · 2 weeks ago
Principal Antenna Engineer (Starshield)
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$200K/yr - $270K/yr
8+ years expSpaceX 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. As a Principal Antenna Engineer on the Starshield team, you will work on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security, focusing on the design and integration of advanced antenna and feed systems.
Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design of advanced antenna and feed systems in support of next generation products including phased array and reflector products
Fabricate and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems and RF front ends
Contribute to development of software and testing of digital beamforming systems to demonstrate full phased array functionality
Provide phased array expertise to set specifications and debug problems covering satellite phased array products
Lead or support integration of antennas to spacecraft and other systems
Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data of units and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering
8+ years of research or development experience in the areas of RF and antennas
Experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD
Experience with RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, and/or RF filter design
Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance
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
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Preferred
Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with some research/thesis work on RF or antennas
Experience with RF systems including SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or communications
Experience programming in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB
Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless communications
Familiar with antenna measurement techniques and tools such as anechoic/reverb chambers, near field EM measurements
Familiar with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys
Familiar with antenna prototyping tools and techniques
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 and National Security space industry
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
Recent News
2026-01-14
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2026-01-14
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