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Staff Engineer, Optics & RF Verified today

Cowboy Space · San Carlos, CA · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Cowboy Space

Cowboy Space Corporation is building infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. We operate modular, scalable satellites in Low Earth Orbit that collect sunlight to enable: infrared laser energy transmission (space-to-earth and space-to-space), on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and secure, high-bandwidth optical data transport.

The Role

The Avionics Team is looking for a Staff Engineer to design, develop, and validate RF hardware that enables communication, telemetry, command and control, and high-bandwidth data transport across our spacecraft platforms. This role is heavily focused on board-level RF design and integration. You will own RF circuitry from architecture through flight qualification, helping build the communications backbone of the orbital economy.

Responsibilities

  • Design RF driver and receiver circuitry for optical communication links supporting data rates up to 50 Gbps
  • Develop end-to-end RF signal chain architecture for laser diode drivers, modulators, and photodetector front-ends
  • Design and lay out high-speed RF/analog PCBs, including specialized stack-ups for RF signal integrity and impedance control
  • Perform signal integrity analysis, including impedance matching, crosstalk mitigation, and eye-diagram/jitter optimization
  • Collaborate with optics and photonics engineers to co-design electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical interfaces
  • Support the design, integration, and testing of free-space optical communication terminals, including transmitter and receiver electronics
  • Conduct RF circuit simulation (S-parameter analysis, transmission line modeling) and validate designs through lab measurement and characterization
  • Debug and troubleshoot high-speed RF/optical link performance issues in lab and field test environments
  • Work closely with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to integrate RF/optical subsystems into complete communication terminals
  • Document design decisions, test results, and contribute to design reviews and technical roadmaps
  • Stay current with advances in optical communication technology, RF driver ICs, and opto-electronic component development

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Photonics, or related field
  • 5+ years of professional experience designing RF circuitry for high-speed communication systems
  • Hands-on experience designing RF circuits to drive optical communication links (laser drivers, TIAs, modulator drivers)
  • Direct experience with free-space/open-space laser communication systems
  • Proven experience working with high-speed RF communication links in the 1 Gbps to 50 Gbps range
  • Strong PCB design and layout experience for RF circuitry, including familiarity with specialized RF PCB stack-ups (mixed dielectric, controlled impedance, RF-grade laminates)
  • Solid understanding of RF transmission line theory, impedance matching, and high-speed signal integrity principles
  • Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools (ADS, HFSS, or equivalent) and PCB design tools (Altium, Cadence Allegro)
  • Experience with lab test and measurement equipment for high-speed RF characterization (network analyzers, BERTs, oscilloscopes, eye-diagram analysis)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex RF/optical system issues
  • Effective communicator able to collaborate cross-functionally with optics, mechanical, and systems teams

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge and hands-on experience with opto-silicon (silicon photonics) design and integration
  • Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF/optical hardware design
  • Familiarity with laser diode driver ICs, transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), and high-speed modulator technologies
  • Background in coherent or direct-detection optical communication link design
  • Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) subsystems for free-space optical terminals
  • Understanding of link budget analysis and optical power/noise trade-offs for free-space channels
  • Familiarity with fiber-optic component integration (photodiodes, laser diodes, optical amplifiers)
  • Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques for high-speed RF/optical systems
  • Publications or patents related to RF/optical communication system design

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $219,000 to $276,000 annually, based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off and 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants 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.