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Phased Array Antenna Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Myticas Consulting

RF Antenna Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Senior RF Antenna Systems Engineer Location: McLean, Virginia (this role is 5 days a week on-site ... D. specializing in phased-array antennas, electromagnetics, RF systems, beamforming, or wireless ...

SpaceX

Antenna Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

As a Starlink Antenna Engineer, you will have full ownership of all phased array, Wi-Fi, and other RF systems for this customer-facing hardware. Our customers currently include teachers in the most ...

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Phased Array Antenna Engineer information

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$59K

$137.3K

$196.5K

How much do phased array antenna engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for phased array antenna engineer in the United States is $137,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $196,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a phased array antenna engineer do?

A Phased Array Antenna Engineer designs, develops, and tests antenna systems that use multiple individual antennas to steer signals electronically without moving parts. They work with advanced radio frequency (RF) technologies to create antennas for applications such as radar, wireless communications, and satellite systems. Their responsibilities often include simulation, prototyping, troubleshooting, and optimizing antenna performance to meet specific requirements. Collaboration with other engineers and staying current with emerging technologies are also key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a phased array antenna engineer?

To thrive as a Phased Array Antenna Engineer, you need a solid background in electromagnetic theory, RF/microwave engineering, and antenna design, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise with simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, MATLAB, and proficiency in CAD software are commonly required, along with knowledge of antenna measurement systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills enable success in cross-disciplinary environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, testing, and optimizing advanced antenna systems that meet stringent technical requirements in industries such as aerospace, defense, and telecommunications.

What are some common challenges faced by phased array antenna engineers when working on new product development?

Phased Array Antenna Engineers often face challenges related to integrating complex hardware and software components to ensure optimal beamforming performance. Managing electromagnetic interference, ensuring thermal stability, and meeting stringent size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements are frequent hurdles, especially in aerospace or defense applications. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including RF engineers, software developers, and system architects—is essential to troubleshoot issues and deliver robust solutions. Staying current with evolving technologies and simulation tools is also important for overcoming design and testing obstacles.

What is the difference between Phased Array Antenna Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectPhased Array Antenna EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in antenna designBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with focus on RF systems
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, aerospace and defense industriesCommunication companies, wireless device manufacturing, telecommunications
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, radar, and satellite systemsTelecommunications, wireless networks, consumer electronics

While both roles involve RF principles, a Phased Array Antenna Engineer specializes in designing and optimizing phased array antenna systems, often for radar and satellite applications. An RF Engineer has a broader focus on radio frequency systems, including circuit design and signal integrity across various wireless technologies. The roles overlap in RF knowledge but differ in application and system focus.

What are popular job titles related to Phased Array Antenna Engineer jobs?

For Phased Array Antenna Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Phased Array Antenna Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,309 per year, or $66 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Antenna (Starlink)

Redmond, WA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs used in Starlink's phased array antennas

  • Write flight-critical software to ensure the intended operation of the antenna throughout the satellite's lifecycle

  • Analyze on-orbit performance data and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SATELLITE ANTENNA (STARLINK)

Starlink is SpaceX's unprecedented satellite constellation designed to deliver high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote areas around the world. By deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), we've created a global network that bridges the digital divide, enabling reliable connectivity for homes, business, vessels, aircraft, and more.

As a member of the Antenna Software team, you'll own software for bring-up, characterization, and operation of advanced phased array systems. You'll drive features at every layer of the stack, from embedded software running on microcontrollers in custom beamforming ASICs, to characterizing antennas in anechoic chambers, to defining the RF test required to produce hundreds of phased arrays per month, to building tools to analyze the on-orbit performance of our fleet of thousands of satellites serving millions of users.

Prior RF experience is not a requirement to be successful here - we're looking for ambitious engineers who thrive when they're diving deep on challenging, interdisciplinary problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop embedded software for custom modem and beamformer silicon ASICs that form the foundation of Starlink's phased array antennas
  • Write flight-critical software to ensure intended operation of the antenna throughout the lifecycle of the satellite
  • Collaborate with phased array antenna engineers to build and implement new techniques to measure antennas as part of our CI/CD process
  • Analyze on-orbit performance data and investigate methods to improve performance and debug issues
  • Drive production RF test features to verify hardware in the factory while maintaining a rapid rate of production
  • Design and build automated measurement systems to characterize phased arrays radiating at 10-20GHz
  • Provide software engineering expertise and mission-critical support to the broader Payload Engineering organization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
  • 1+ years of programming experience in embedded C or C++ or Rust (internships, collegiate clubs, and project work can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience and understanding of RF fundamentals and/or communications theory
  • Familiarity with radio-related lab measurement equipment and techniques such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Experience with phased array antenna systems
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 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.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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