Senior Electrical Engineer - RF & Communications Systems Verified today

About Star Catcher

Star Catcher is building the first energy grid in space to power the orbital economy. Instead of each spacecraft generating all its own power, Star Catcher is developing technology to wirelessly beam energy to spacecraft's existing solar panels when and where they need it.

The Role

Star Catcher Industries, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer - RF & Communications Systems to lead the RF and communications subsystem architecture for space-to-space power beaming spacecraft and the Star Catcher Network orbital power grid. You will co-own system communications interfaces and lead the team developing the communications infrastructure for this space-based energy platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead RF and communications subsystem architecture and co-own system communications interfaces, including designing, simulating, and implementing RF circuits and subsystems such as LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and transceiver modules for space-to-ground communication links
• Develop and refine system-level RF architectures that meet demanding environmental, performance, and reliability requirements for space applications
• Lead RF component selection, schematic design, and PCB layout review with focus on radiation tolerance, thermal performance, and high-frequency signal integrity
• Perform hardware bring-up, tuning, and RF characterization using lab equipment such as VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters to support first-article deployment
• Lead link budget analysis and trade studies for spacecraft communications architectures, including TT&C, ranging, and crosslink concepts
• Support environmental, thermal, and radiation-effects considerations as part of design verification for space systems
• Work closely with systems engineering, digital/FPGA hardware, firmware, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient production
• Troubleshoot complex RF issues, execute root-cause analysis, and propose design improvements to enhance reliability and mission readiness
• Create technical documentation including requirements, design reports, test procedures, and verification artifacts
• Mentor early-career RF engineers and support the department's growth in communications systems engineering capability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of professional experience in RF or communications systems design, including link budget analysis, RF front-end design, or transceiver/antenna systems
• Demonstrated experience leading or co-owning RF subsystem architecture from concept through qualification in a demanding environment; spaceflight heritage is preferred
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, linearity, gain, noise figure, phase noise, and EMI/EMC
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, or equivalent
• Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or similar
• Familiarity with spacecraft communications standards and practices, such as CCSDS and TT&C architectures

Desired Skills

• Experience designing or integrating spacecraft communications subsystems (TT&C, S-band/X-band/UHF, or similar)
• Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
• Experience interfacing with bus or payload accommodation vendors on communications requirements
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification standards such as MIL-STD and NASA GEVS
• Experience supporting spectrum licensing and coordination activities, including providing RF technical inputs for FCC licensing and ITU coordination
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical design reviews

Benefits

Star Catcher offers a highly competitive benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and paid parental leave.

Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon results of a thorough background check and proof of eligibility to work in the US. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.