Staff RF Engineer Verified today

About LeoLabs

LeoLabs builds a living map of activity in space through a proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform. We collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO), providing radar-powered intelligence for space domain awareness, space traffic management, and satellite operations.

The Role

As Staff RF Engineer, you will lead the development of RF electronics that define the performance of our next-generation radar systems. You will own challenging RF design problems across multiple programs, from architecture and requirements through design, validation, and production. This is a hands-on technical role for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems, leading design work, and delivering robust hardware that performs in demanding environments.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Menlo Park, California. Occasional travel may be required to support hardware integration and field activities.

You will be responsible for

• Lead the architecture and development of RF modules for next-generation radar platforms
• Design and analyze RF circuits including receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, filters, frequency synthesis, and antenna interfaces
• Develop system-level RF budgets, cascade analyses, and performance models
• Drive RF PCB design from schematic capture through layout, bring-up, validation, and production release
• Perform laboratory characterization, debugging, calibration, and performance optimization using modern RF test equipment
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, embedded software, and manufacturing engineers to integrate RF hardware into complete radar systems
• Conduct technical design reviews, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and help define the RF architecture for future radar platforms
• Support manufacturing, field deployments, and root-cause investigations as products transition into production

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
• 10+ years of experience designing RF and microwave electronics
• Proficiency with Altium Designer or equivalent PCB design software
• Demonstrated experience designing complex RF PCBAs from concept through production
• Deep understanding of RF system design, microwave circuit theory, and radar fundamentals
• Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS and CST
• Strong laboratory skills using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and related RF instrumentation
• Experience developing engineering tools and automation using Python
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. personnel security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in RF or microwave engineering
• Experience designing radar, aerospace, communications, or defense electronics
• Experience with phased arrays, antenna design, or beamforming systems
• Experience with RF calibration, metrology, and EMI/EMC mitigation
• Familiarity with PLM systems such as Arena

Growth and Impact

Within 1 month: Complete onboarding, become familiar with LeoLabs' radar architecture and development process, and understand current hardware programs and product roadmap.

Within 3 months: Take ownership of a major RF module under active development, lead RF design reviews, and drive laboratory validation and performance optimization.

Within 6 months: Own the RF development of a next-generation radar subsystem from design through prototype validation and mentor engineers across the RF and electrical engineering team.

Within 12 months: Deliver multiple RF designs into production, shape the RF architecture for future radar platforms, and be recognized as a key technical contributor.

Compensation

Base salary range: $180,000 USD to $205,000 USD, plus bonus, stock options, and benefits. Compensation varies based on experience, skills, location, and qualifications.