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Senior RF/Comms System Engineer Verified today

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the Role

Apex manufactures commercial satellite buses at scale for a growing market of payload customers. We combine software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing to enable earth observation, communications, and other space-based services.

As Senior RF/Comms Systems Engineer, you will drive the design of RF, digital, and optical satellite communications systems and spacecraft architectures. You will lead coupled trades across vehicle and ground segment architecture, from clean sheet design through delivery.

Your Responsibilities

  • Design and develop RF, digital, and optical satellite communications systems and spacecraft architectures
  • Define and verify space communication system requirements and interfaces; drive requirements for subcomponents and supplier selection
  • Perform analyses and simulations including link budgeting, signal distortion, system capacity, reliability, and performance
  • Develop analysis tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms
  • Develop and verify system algorithms that meet functional and performance requirements
  • Perform hardware procurement, integration, design reviews, and verification
  • Work with ground segments on build, integration, and test
  • Work closely with payload customers to accommodate payload requirements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve overall system requirements

What We Need

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field (Master's preferred)
  • 5+ years of spacecraft RF and telemetry communications experience, including design and testing of space links
  • Extensive experience in spacecraft design, launch, and operation across all development lifecycle phases
  • Experience in integrated software and hardware verification and testing
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to convey decisions and conclusions clearly to multiple audiences
  • U.S. Person status required (ITAR/export control access)

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $175,000 - $215,000 per year

Full-time benefits include equity, 100% company-paid medical/dental/vision, 15-20+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 401(k) with 100% match on first 3% and 50% on next 2%, 8 weeks paid parental leave with childcare reimbursement up to $350/day, daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks, and access to a collaborative office in Playa Vista, Los Angeles.