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Antenna Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred * Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna, terminal, and/or satellite system design * Experience with ESA design and ...

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 * 7+ years of ...

ANTENNA ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and ... Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline * 2+ years of research or development experience in ...

PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred * Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna, terminal, and/or satellite system design * Experience with ESA design and ...

PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred * Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna, terminal, and/or satellite system design * Experience with ESA design and ...

PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred * Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna, terminal, and/or satellite system design * Experience with ESA design and ...

ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to ... Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in ...

ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to ... Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in ...

PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred * Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna, terminal, and/or satellite system design * Experience with ESA design and ...

Provide antenna expertise and RF radiation expertise (plasma attenuation, shielding, etc) to ... Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with research/thesis work on RF or antennas

ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to ... Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in ...

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Antenna Research information

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$11

$44

$75

How much do antenna research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for antenna research in the United States is $44.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $59.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Antenna Research?

A typical day in Antenna Research involves a mix of theoretical analysis, computer simulations, hands-on prototyping, and laboratory testing of antenna designs. Researchers often collaborate with engineers in related fields such as wireless communications, signal processing, and systems integration to ensure antenna solutions meet functional requirements. Tasks may include preparing technical reports, participating in team meetings, and staying updated on the latest advances in antenna technology. This dynamic environment encourages continual learning and offers opportunities to contribute to leading-edge innovations in sectors like telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Antenna Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Antenna Research, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, electromagnetics, and RF (radio frequency) technologies, often supported by an advanced degree (MS or PhD). Familiarity with simulation tools like CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, and MATLAB, as well as experience in laboratory measurement systems, is highly valued. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills help drive innovation and facilitate teamwork on interdisciplinary projects. These competencies ensure successful design, analysis, and optimization of antennas for diverse real-world applications.

What is an Antenna Research job?

An Antenna Research job involves designing, analyzing, and improving antenna systems for various applications, such as telecommunications, radar, and aerospace. Professionals in this field use computational modeling, prototyping, and testing to develop efficient and high-performance antennas. They work with electromagnetic theory, simulation software, and fabrication techniques to optimize antenna performance for specific requirements. Typically, roles in this field require expertise in electromagnetics, signal processing, and RF engineering.

More about Antenna Research jobs
What states have the most Antenna Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Antenna Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Antenna Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,714 per year, or $44.1 per hour.
Antenna Engineer - Parabolic & Waveguide (Starlink)

Antenna Engineer - Parabolic & Waveguide (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

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.
ANTENNA ENGINEER - PARABOLIC & WAVEGUIDE (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging its 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 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, products 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.
As a member of the Antenna Engineering team, you'll have extreme ownership of parabolic reflector antennas, waveguide feed systems, and associated RF components for satellites and gateways. You will drive the design, optimization, and implementation of high-performance reflectors and waveguide based networks from concept through manufacturing and on-orbit operation. You'll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental aspects of our constellation while collaborating closely with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and optimization of parabolic reflector antennas and multi-band (10 - 100+ GHz) feed systems
  • Design of waveguide components including orthomode transducers (OMTs), polarizers, diplexers, filters, and transitions
  • Conduct design validation of components including vector network analyzer measurements, pattern measurements, and integrated active network testing
  • Fabricate and characterize prototypes of parabolic antennas, feed horns, and waveguide assemblies including pattern, gain, efficiency, and high-power testing
  • Partner with mechanical engineers to design and analyze surface accuracy, mechanical tolerances, and thermal distortion effects on RF performance
  • Design and test of antenna radomes that cover multiple bands
  • Design waveguide networks for high power systems and oversee high power RF testing
  • Contribute to the mechanical integration and deployment of reflector antennas and waveguide systems into spacecraft and ground infrastructure
  • Analyze in-the-field operational RF performance data and develop methods to improve antenna and waveguide performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of research or development experience in RF, antennas, or microwave engineering (internship and thesis work acceptable)
  • 1+ years of experience using 3D EM simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, TICRA GRASP, or equivalent

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with thesis or research focused on reflector antennas, waveguide components, or microwave engineering
  • Strong experience in parabolic reflector antenna design, including reflector shaping, feed optimization, and efficiency analysis
  • Hands-on design experience with waveguide components (horns, OMTs, polarizers, filters, couplers)
  • Deep understanding of waveguide propagation modes, discontinuities, matching techniques, and high-power phenomena (multipaction, corona, passive intermodulation)
  • Experience with TICRA or similar tools for reflector antenna analysis and optimization
  • Experience with antenna and waveguide prototyping, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing techniques
  • Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques (far-field, near-field, compact range) and RF test equipment
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysis and automation
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Antenna Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Antenna Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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