RF Components Engineer II Verified today
About Varda
Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are designed, built and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, heat shields and satellite buses. We are headquartered in El Segundo, California with offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
About This Role
As an RF Component Engineer at Varda, you will ensure seamless connectivity between our satellite vehicles and ground stations. You will own the complete lifecycle of each RF component, collaborating with RF Systems Engineers to define specifications and either select or design necessary hardware. Your work will include rigorous validation of components before deployment to space.
We believe that the trip to space and back is the easiest trip our hardware takes. We stress components above and beyond flight expectations and investigate failures thoroughly.
Responsibilities
- Serve as Responsible Engineer for RF flight components, including radios, power amplifiers, antennas and filters
- Collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to refine product specifications, select or design appropriate components, and oversee the entire product lifecycle
- Work closely with Flight Software, Structures, and Integration and Test teams to document cross-functional interface requirements
- Take ultimate ownership of 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 for flight risks
Basic Qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field. Open to candidates of all experience levels.
- Strong 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, leading them to successful completion
- Proficiency with Python, familiarity with test software libraries like PyVISA for communication with test equipment
- Demonstrated curiosity and commitment to exploring foundational concepts and pursuing detailed insights with diligence
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving and operating 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 or program management skills
Compensation and Location
- Salary range: $144,020 to $184,026 per year
- On-site in El Segundo, California
- Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
- Long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Requirements
You must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR regulations: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum. This is required due to access to export-controlled technology.