Ground Segment Engineer

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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.

GROUND SEGMENT ENGINEER

The SpaceX Ground Segment team is responsible for supporting a wide array of communications needs. They support and deploy our worldwide network of ground stations, own all launch site and recovery RF communications and optical tracking, and facilitate all Starlink Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C). For all real-time operations of Falcon, Dragon, and Starship, the team facilitates NASA flight operations interfaces and network integration, as well as operational voice, mission control video, and communications readiness testing.

The ideal candidate will be flexible, possess broad skills across networking, operations, and communications, and flourish in a fast-paced and challenging environment. You should be a self-starter that is able to take initiative and approach traditional problems in novel ways.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and build ground station communication systems through all stages of development (site survey, system design review, hardware selection, hardware integration, end-to-end testing and activation)
  • Present engineering design reviews, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts
  • Work with engineers and technicians to deploy and maintain complete ground station systems to be mission ready
  • Work closely with recovery team on building and maintaining SpaceX marine telemetry systems
  • Interface with multiple disciplines including customers, mission management, avionics, RF, logistics, suppliers, and manufacturing
  • Troubleshoot issues on ground stations and production assemblies on an aggressive schedule
  • Lead the selection, integration, and maintenance of ground support rack hardware and software
  • Specify and drive creation of ground stations hardware-in-the-loop test systems to support software development and system verification and validation
  • Oversee production, testing, quality control, and shipment logistics of ground station support hardware
  • Work closely with software team to drive ground stations automation and monitoring
  • Set up asset maintenance strategies using risk based and reliability centered maintenance methodologies
  • Maintain asset documentation and preventative maintenance plans
  • Identify and maintain critical spare strategy for worldwide ground stations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace or mechanical engineering
  • 2+ years of project or professional experience with system-level communication architectures

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Understanding of RF fundamentals and system design principles
  • Experience developing and installing satellite tracking ground antennas and systems
  • Experience with ground station operations
  • Knowledge of ground station equipment to include up and down converters, power amplifiers, receivers, and other antenna elements
  • Experience with low-voltage power distribution, backup battery, generator systems, and international electrical standards
  • Hands-on experience with lab instruments such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
  • Experience with GNU Radio or similar signal processing libraries
  • Experience developing tools in Python or MATLAB
  • Strong project management skills, detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
  • Mastery in the use of Visio or other CAD software to develop system schematics
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
  • Willingness to travel to other SpaceX locations as well as domestic and ground station sites
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.