Senior RF Engineer

OverviewAt Icarus, we build solar-powered birds that fly at the edge of space for a very long time. Our mission is to dominate the stratosphere with autonomous platforms that deliver real-time intelligence and connectivity. This role focuses on hardware that actually flies in extreme environments and requires a bias for speed and quality.RoleSenior RF Engineer. You will design, build, and test the communication backbone that enables stratospheric autonomy. You will architect radios, antennas, and waveforms, validate them in the lab, and test them in Mojave for real-world flight. This role is hands-on and fast-paced.ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop RF systems across UHF, L/S/C/X bands for ISR, communications relay, and SIGINT payloads.Architect and integrate antennas (patch, array, conformal) into solar-powered airframes with strict SWaP constraints.Develop and tune modems, SDRs, and link budgets for secure LOS and BLOS operations.Own PCB layout, assembly, and validation for RF front-ends, filters, and amplifiers.Lead EMI/EMC testing, spectrum analysis, and environmental qualification for flight hardware.Debug and iterate rapidly between lab bench, anechoic chamber, and stratospheric flight tests.Collaborate closely with avionics, power, and aero teams to deliver fully integrated flight systems.Mentor junior engineers and set the technical bar for RF systems in the stratosphere.Notes on cultureNo hand-holding. No fluff. No fake projects. Just raw engineering with flight on the line. You must thrive under pressure and own outcomes.Valued PrinciplesFirst Principles: Truth seeking from fundamentalsMission Driven: Win or be forgottenRelentless Iteration: Radical transparency and meritocracyCompensation and Benefits$120,000 to $160,000 salaryLarge equity in the companyBest-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans, and HSAPTO of 2 weeksWorld-class office in El SegundoSupportive setup to maximize productivityDaily lunch and unlimited CelciusEqual Employment OpportunityWe are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, qualifications, or benefits associated with the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-25