Principal RF Components Engineer Verified today
About Varda
Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are designed, built and operated in-house by Varda, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.
About This Role
As Principal RF Components Engineer, you will ensure seamless connectivity between Varda's satellite vehicles and ground stations. You take ownership of the complete lifecycle of each RF component, collaborating with RF Systems Engineers to define specifications and select or design necessary hardware. Your work validates components rigorously before space deployment.
You will stress components above and beyond expected flight levels and investigate failures thoroughly. Your hardware will fly repeatedly, and you will see the results of your work in orbit.
Responsibilities
- Serve as Responsible Engineer for RF flight components including radios, power amplifiers, antennas and filters
- Collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to refine specifications, select or design components, and oversee entire product lifecycle
- Work with Flight Software, Structures, and Integration & Test teams to document cross-functional interface requirements
- Own product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments including Thermal, Vibration, Shock, TVAC, and EMI
- Develop test software to automate equipment, stimulate, and measure component performance
- Conduct root cause analysis on test failures and implement comprehensive mitigation strategies
- Mentor junior engineers on projects, challenges, and design methodologies
- Contribute to RF architecture and system design for next-generation vehicles and hardware block upgrades
- Help define standards, processes and procedures for RF engineering at Varda
Basic Qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years hands-on experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, power meters and power supplies
- Familiarity with RF components including LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators/synthesizers, attenuators, and switches
- Experience designing and integrating RF components into complete transmit or receive signal chains
- Proven track record of extreme ownership over projects
- Proficiency with Python, familiarity with test software libraries like PyVISA
- Demonstrated curiosity and commitment to exploring foundational concepts with diligence
- Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving system-level tests
- Familiarity with Unix environments
- Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions
- Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers)
- Strong project and program management skills
Compensation
Salary range: $219,161 to $280,040 per year. Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. Eligible for long-term incentives in stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
Work Location
On-site in El Segundo, California.
Benefits
Regular full-time employees receive: flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays; 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with FSA and employer-matched HSA; $120/month wellness reimbursement; 12 weeks parental leave; 401(k) with 6% employer match; $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement; relocation support; stock options; fully stocked kitchen with daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner; company events; complimentary EV charging.
ITAR Requirements
Varda hires only U.S. persons who are permitted to have access to export-controlled items without an export license. U.S. person means U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (refugee or asylee).
Varda participates in the E-Verify program.