RF Engineer - Satellite Systems (0/1)

RF Engineer - Satellite Systems Location: San Jose, CA Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer (5-10 years) to design and analyze RF subsystems for next-generation satellite platforms. In this role, you'll be responsible for end-to-end RF chain design - including receive paths, transmit chains, front-end modules, and antenna integration and system performance optimization. This is a hands-on role where you'll take designs from concept through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and test, working closely with mechanical, systems, and mission teams to deliver reliable flight hardware. What You'll Do * Design, create schematic, create layout and test RF boards - full ownership of a RF board from start to finish * Design and develop RF receive and transmit chains, including LNAs, filters, mixers, PAs, and frequency conversion stages. * Perform cascade analysis for noise figure, gain, linearity, and dynamic range across RF chains. * Contribute to link budgets and verify compliance with system requirements. * Support antenna design, selection, and integration, ensuring proper impedance matching and radiation performance. * Perform RF board schematic and layout in Altium Designer, including grounding, shielding, and impedance control best practices. * Select and qualify RF components suitable for space and high-reliability environments. * Perform lab testing and characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF equipment. * Support system-level integration and troubleshoot RF issues during bring-up and test and on-orbit analysis and debugging. * Document designs, analyses, and test results for internal teams and external stakeholders. What We're Looking For * B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field. * 5 years minimum of experience in RF design, layout, and test. * Strong background in RF receive/transmit chain design and cascade analysis. * Hands-on experience with Altium Designer (or equivalent PCB CAD tool) for RF layout. * Deep understanding of RF performance trade-offs: noise figure, gain, IP3, linearity, sensitivity, and power efficiency. * Proficiency with RF design and simulation tools (Matlab RF and Antenna Toolbox and HFSS). * Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and power meters. * Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills. Bonus: * Experience with spacecraft RF systems, ground station hardware, or aerospace communications. * Knowledge of antenna arrays, beamforming, or phased-array systems. * Familiarity with modulation schemes, digital signal processing, or SDR integration. * Understanding of radiation effects and environmental testing for high-reliability RF hardware. * Experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Software Defined Radio (SDR). * Proficiency in one or more programming languages, especially C/C++ and Python. Why Join Us? * Ownership of RF designs that enable cutting-edge satellite communications. * Work on both receive and transmit systems, from concept to flight hardware. * Join a collaborative team where your RF expertise directly impacts mission success.

Created: 2026-04-02