What's the salary range?

SpaceX lists $125,000–$175,000 for this role.

How much experience is required?

At least 1 year of relevant experience for this RF Engineer (Starship) role.

What's the tech stack?

Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ADS, AWR, C++, Git, Linux, MATLAB.

Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?

Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.

What seniority level is this role?

SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.

Is this full-time or contract?

Full-time for this RF Engineer (Starship) role at SpaceX.

RF Engineer (Starship) at SpaceX

Joblaze summary

The RF Engineer for SpaceX's Starship team focuses on designing and validating advanced RF systems for communication and navigation in space travel. Key skills include proficiency with radio test equipment, programming in languages like Python or C++, and a solid understanding of RF concepts and digital communication theory. This role is ideal for engineers with at least one year of experience in RF engineering, particularly those with a background in electrical engineering or related fields. The position offers a chance to work alongside a highly skilled team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Joblaze insights

Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze June 18, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,900).
Starts above 62% of 307 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $112,000 across 61 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 17.2% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States; SVN appears in 0.1% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: SpaceX lists $125,000–$175,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 1 year of relevant experience for this RF Engineer (Starship) role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ADS, AWR, C++, Git, Linux, MATLAB.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?: Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?: SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this RF Engineer (Starship) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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.

RF ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Starship RF team revolutionizes communications and navigation in orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Become a part of this fast moving and world class development team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, build some of the most advanced electronics ever flown at cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry, and achieve truly audacious goals. If you're ready for a challenge and want to make our civilization multi-planetary, then you've come to the right place!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, develop, analyze, and validate RF systems for communication and sensing - from concept through production
Analyze antenna pattern coverage, link budgets, co-site interference, multiple access, etc.
Derive hardware specifications for RF systems and blocks, working across disciplines to understand constraints
Develop and support simulation and data review infrastructure for RF systems
Verify end-to-end performance and compatibility through analysis and test, ensuring compliance with spectrum licensing and regulations
Conduct or participate in customer and/or program technical review or flight readiness presentations
Lead and conduct troubleshooting and root cause system level performance anomalies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or in a STEM discipline
1+ years of experience RF engineer
1+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
1+ years of programming experience in Python, C++, or Matlab

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree in electrical engineering with focus on signal processing, communication and navigation systems, or RF design
Experience with link budget analysis, power flux density, dilution of precision, doppler, etc
Experience with digital communication theory and testing, Bit Error Rate, EVM and System Noise Figure
Experience with testing antennas in far-field or near-field measurement chambers
Experience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), RF filter design, and transmission line theory
Experience with revision control systems such as Git and SVN, and familiar with Linux terminal
Experience with linear and non-linear RF module or lineup simulation using tools such as AWR or ADS
Competency with simulation/modeling software development including testing and continuous integration
Competency with schematic/layout design
Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM
Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

RF Engineer (Starship)

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