Antenna Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Antenna engineers design and optimize radio frequency systems for telecommunications, aerospace, and defense applications. With specialized RF/microwave engineering expertise, they typically qualify for H-1B, O-1, and EB-2 visa sponsorship. Strong demand from telecom giants and defense contractors makes this a sponsorship-friendly field. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation that provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 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 remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. In addition, you will own advanced parabolic antenna systems for our gateways/ground stations, which we deploy regionally throughout the world. You will design, implement, and verify small router antennas, phased arrays, and reflector antenna systems. You will interact regularly with senior leadership to influence the fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial concept development to full-scale production.
Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends for next-generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products
- Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
- Work in close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, digital signal processing, and software engineering teams to design and validate RF systems
- Create and test phased array alignment solutions
- Rapidly develop design, validation, and production test solutions for our high-volume consumer products and gateway antennas
- Write automation software in python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with antennas or communication systems (internships and extracurricular projects are applicable)
- 1+ years experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
- 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering
- Experience designing wireless communications systems
- Experience with basic principles of antenna theory
- Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications
- Thorough understanding of RF active and passive components
- Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
- Experience working with waveguide systems at mmWave frequencies
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Passion for problem solving
- Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
INTRODUCTION
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation that provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 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 remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. In addition, you will own advanced parabolic antenna systems for our gateways/ground stations, which we deploy regionally throughout the world. You will design, implement, and verify small router antennas, phased arrays, and reflector antenna systems. You will interact regularly with senior leadership to influence the fundamental operation of our constellation and network while collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to steer this project from initial concept development to full-scale production.
Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and characterize prototypes of antennas, feed systems, and RF front ends for next-generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products
- Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
- Work in close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, digital signal processing, and software engineering teams to design and validate RF systems
- Create and test phased array alignment solutions
- Rapidly develop design, validation, and production test solutions for our high-volume consumer products and gateway antennas
- Write automation software in python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and documentation systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with antennas or communication systems (internships and extracurricular projects are applicable)
- 1+ years experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
- 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/antenna engineering
- Experience designing wireless communications systems
- Experience with basic principles of antenna theory
- Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications
- Thorough understanding of RF active and passive components
- Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
- Experience working with waveguide systems at mmWave frequencies
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Passion for problem solving
- Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Antenna Engineer
Target defense contractors and telecom leaders
Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, and Qualcomm regularly sponsor antenna engineers. Defense work often requires security clearances, creating competitive advantages for sponsored talent.
Emphasize specialized RF simulation experience
Highlight proficiency in HFSS, CST Studio, or ADS software. These specialized tools demonstrate the advanced technical knowledge that supports H-1B specialty occupation requirements effectively.
Document your electromagnetic theory background
Your electrical engineering degree with RF/microwave coursework directly supports visa petitions. Include specific classes like antenna theory, electromagnetic fields, and microwave circuit design in applications.
Consider O-1 for distinguished research contributions
Published papers on antenna design, IEEE conference presentations, or patents in RF technology can support O-1 extraordinary ability petitions with stronger approval odds than H-1B.
Research ITAR compliance requirements early
Many antenna engineering roles involve defense contracts with International Traffic in Arms Regulations restrictions. Understand these limitations before applying to avoid wasted interview cycles with restricted positions.
Network through IEEE and professional conferences
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society events connect you with hiring managers who understand visa sponsorship processes. Technical presentations at conferences also strengthen O-1 petition evidence.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do antenna engineers typically get H-1B sponsorship approval?
Yes, antenna engineers have strong H-1B approval rates because the role clearly requires specialized electrical engineering knowledge in RF/microwave theory. The technical complexity of electromagnetic modeling and antenna design work supports specialty occupation requirements that USCIS looks for in petition approvals.
What degree do I need for antenna engineering visa sponsorship?
You need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, with coursework in electromagnetics, RF circuits, or antenna theory. Some positions accept telecommunications or computer engineering degrees if combined with relevant RF experience. The degree field must directly relate to antenna design work for H-1B qualification.
Can antenna engineers get EB-2 green cards through their work?
Yes, many antenna engineers qualify for EB-2 green cards through PERM labor certification. The specialized nature of RF engineering work often supports the job requirements that make PERM processing feasible, especially at defense contractors and telecom companies with established immigration processes.
Do security clearance requirements affect visa sponsorship for antenna engineers?
Security clearance requirements can complicate but don't prevent sponsorship. Many defense contractors sponsor foreign nationals for non-classified antenna work first, then help them pursue citizenship for clearance-eligible positions. Some companies maintain separate divisions for non-clearance and cleared projects.
Is antenna engineering experience abroad recognized for U.S. visa applications?
International RF engineering experience is highly valued, especially from companies like Nokia, Ericsson, or Samsung. Document your work with specific antenna types, frequency bands, and simulation tools. Publications in IEEE journals or international conference presentations strengthen your technical credibility for visa petitions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Antenna Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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