RF Engineer - Satellite Systems Verified today
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer (5-10 years) to design and analyze RF subsystems for next-generation satellite platforms. You will have end-to-end ownership of RF chain design - including receive paths, transmit chains, front-end modules, and antenna integration - and drive system performance optimization.
This is a hands-on role where you'll take designs from concept through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and test, working closely with mechanical, systems, and mission teams to deliver reliable flight hardware.
What You'll Do
- Design, create schematic, create layout and test RF boards with full ownership from start to finish
- Design and develop RF receive and transmit chains, including LNAs, filters, mixers, PAs, and frequency conversion stages
- Perform cascade analysis for noise figure, gain, linearity, and dynamic range across RF chains
- Contribute to link budgets and verify compliance with system requirements
- Support antenna design, selection, and integration, ensuring proper impedance matching and radiation performance
- Perform RF board schematic and layout in Altium Designer, including grounding, shielding, and impedance control best practices
- Select and qualify RF components suitable for space and high-reliability environments
- Perform lab testing and characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF equipment
- Support system-level integration and troubleshoot RF issues during bring-up, test, and on-orbit analysis and debugging
- Document designs, analyses, and test results for internal teams and external stakeholders
What We're Looking For
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 5 years minimum of experience in RF design, layout, and test
- Strong background in RF receive/transmit chain design and cascade analysis
- Hands-on experience with Altium Designer (or equivalent PCB CAD tool) for RF layout
- Deep understanding of RF performance trade-offs: noise figure, gain, IP3, linearity, sensitivity, and power efficiency
- Proficiency with RF design and simulation tools (Matlab RF and Antenna Toolbox and HFSS)
- Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and power meters
- Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills
Bonus Experience
- Experience with spacecraft RF systems, ground station hardware, or aerospace communications
- Knowledge of antenna arrays, beamforming, or phased-array systems
- Familiarity with modulation schemes, digital signal processing, or SDR integration
- Understanding of radiation effects and environmental testing for high-reliability RF hardware
- Experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Software Defined Radio (SDR)
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages, especially C/C++ and Python