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 & WIRELESS COMPLIANCE ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, manufacture, and operate all parts of the system — including thousands of satellites and millions of customer kits. We are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for individuals, communities, and businesses.
Starlink radio products must certify in the United States and internationally before they ship. This role is the RF compliance owner for those products, split about 50/50 between:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own RF regulatory strategy and certification for Starlink wireless hardware on a 50/50 WiFi and cellular mix across US and international markets
- WiFi (2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz): develop and own compliance strategy, test setups, and methods for typical WiFi products, including DFS where required and 6 GHz / AFC paths as those products come online
- Cellular (5G, LTE, GPRS, 3GPP): develop and own compliance strategy for cellular hardware, including base stations and related devices, covering US licensed-service rules and international 3GPP / ETSI requirements
- Apply core FCC and ETSI radio standards in day-to-day work — including FCC Part 15 for WiFi (2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz, DFS) and FCC licensed-service rules for cellular; ETSI EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz), EN 301 893 (5 GHz), EN 303 687 (6 GHz WAS/RLAN), and EN 301 908 / 3GPP for cellular devices and base stations
- Read RF designs (architecture, radio chains, antennas, filters, power tables, firmware limits) and turn standards into actionable design and test requirements
- Plan and run RF compliance test campaigns with accredited labs — conducted and radiated, spurious, power, DFS, exposure (MPE/SAR) as applicable, and cellular / base-station conformance
- Work directly with RF hardware, firmware, and software teams to implement the design or power-table changes required for certification
- Validate and generate transmit power tables with RF design, software, and test labs
- Audit labs and vendors so methods and results are consistent and defensible
- Prepare and maintain technical files, test reports, and certification applications (FCC / ISED / RED and equivalent global filings)
- Support global market access when Starlink adds bands, power levels, or new WiFi / cellular SKUs
- Provide RF regulatory guidance to Product Compliance Engineers and RF design teams
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or another STEM discipline
- 5+ years of experience in RF / wireless regulatory compliance and certification
- Working knowledge of basic FCC and ETSI radio standards for WiFi and/or cellular
- Demonstrated ability to follow an RF product from design → test → compliance (not test-only or paperwork-only)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Hands-on mix of WiFi (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) and cellular (5G, LTE, GPRS/2G, 3GPP) — including base stations — in both US and international certifications
- Deep working knowledge of:
- WiFi: FCC Part 15 (15.247 / 15.407), ETSI EN 300 328, EN 301 893, EN 303 687; DFS; 6 GHz / AFC
- Cellular: 3GPP (LTE / NR and GPRS/GSM as applicable), ETSI EN 301 908 (devices and base stations), FCC Parts 22 / 24 / 27 (and related licensed-service rules); PTCRB / GCF for cellular hardware
- Ability to read RF schematics, block diagrams, antenna / layout choices, and firmware power limits, and to explain why a design will or will not pass
- Experience defining test setups and methodologies, not only witnessing lab tests
- Experience running RF compliance campaigns and driving design changes to close failures
- Track record certifying high-volume wireless products (consumer, infrastructure, or both)
- Ability to translate standards into requirements RF and firmware teams can implement
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical certification deadlines
- Willingness to work on-site with RF design, test, and lab teams
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 [email protected].