Senior RF Components Engineer Verified today
About Varda
Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, building in-house pharmaceutical processing payloads, reentry capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. We create products and infrastructure enabling space-based manufacturing for Earth applications.
The Role
As Senior RF Components Engineer, you will ensure reliable connectivity between our W-Series satellite vehicles and ground stations. You own the complete lifecycle of RF components from specification through flight deployment. You collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to define requirements and select or design hardware. Your core responsibility is rigorous validation of components before space deployment, setting new standards for RF component testing.
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 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 mitigation strategies for flight risks
- Mentor junior engineers on projects, challenges and design methodologies
Basic Qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field
- 5+ 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, leading them to successful completion
- Proficiency with Python and familiarity with test software libraries like PyVISA for communication with test equipment
- 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 including vibration shakers, TVAC chambers or thermal chambers
- Strong project or program management skills
- Ability to thrive in dynamic environment valuing teamwork, innovation and tackling challenges head-on
Compensation and Work Environment
- Salary range: $169,067 - $244,208 per year
- On-site in El Segundo, California
- Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience and job performance
- Eligible for long-term incentives in form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Benefits
Full-time employees receive: flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays; 100% company-paid Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with FSA and employer-matched HSA; voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness and pet insurance; $120/month wellness reimbursement; 12 weeks parental leave; Maven Clinic family building benefits; sponsored One Medical memberships; substantial equity; 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested); $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement; relocation support; fully stocked kitchen with daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner; company and team-bonding events; complimentary EV charging.
US Person Requirement
Varda employees are exposed to export-controlled items. Policy is to hire only US persons permitted access to technology without export license. US person means: US citizen, US lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as refugee or granted asylum per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).