Antenna Engineer

SpinLaunch is a space technology company committed to revolutionizing access to space by enabling the rapid, cost-effective deployment of launch, satellites, and services. With backing from industry leaders in venture capital and engineering, including Airbus Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Kleiner Perkins, we are primed to advance the commercialization of our end-to-end space solutions. At SpinLaunch, you'll be at the forefront of transforming the entire space landscape - creating a more affordable and sustainable space industry. Join us in our mission and be an integral part of a close-knit, collaborative team that strives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. This is an on-site position located at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. 

Your Mission on the Team:  

• Design, prototype, and test an antenna feed array
• Become familiar with system models and be able to relate feed element characteristics to total system characteristics and performance
• Investigate alternate antenna feed technologies (printed patch, 3D printed waveguide, etc.) and become familiar with trade-offs
• Work with our team to establish the best technical direction
• Perform detailed design to achieve overall optimum performance in terms of beam shape, beam overlap, gain, efficiency, etc. 
• Contribute to all phases of the antenna development life cycle (requirements, systems and circuit design, integration of RF and wireless circuits and systems, testing, and manufacturing activities)
• Create the related feed network and switching element design
• Work with others in the team to test and integrate a complete radio transceiver
• Develop calibration models

Qualifications: 

• At least 5 years of experience with a Bachelor’s, or a Master’s degree in an engineering discipline with an emphasis in electromagnetic theory and/or microwave circuits  
• Good, intuitive understanding of electromagnetics and optics in microwave systems (refraction, diffraction, Huygen’s principle, etc.) 
• Experience in designing phased array antennas
• Experience in the design of patches, horns, or similar compact antennas
• Expertise in electromagnetic simulation tools like HFSS, CST, or FEKO
• Application of system simulation tools like Python or MATLAB
• Familiarity with range testing and ability to operate relevant test equipment
• Understanding of antenna theory and propagation
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to work in a team

Ideal Qualifications:  

• Broader experience of RF/microwave systems (particularly 10.7 GHz – 51.4 GHz)
• Experience with near field testing
• Design of microwave front ends (transmit and/or receive)
• Experience with space-qualified systems
• Familiarity with relevant manufacturing techniques

The base salary offered to a successful candidate will be determined on a case-by-case basis and influenced by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and scope of the position.  

ITAR Requirements 

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.  

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.