RF Systems Engineer

DS creates systems that power the next generation of radio spectrum intelligence. We collect radio data from all over the world, train neural networks to decipher it, and run them on the smallest chips we can. We’re solving a new, technically hard problem where nothing from other fields works out of the box, and along the way, we’ve built our own stack from scratch, including entirely new embedding model architectures, custom GPU kernels, and much more.

Joining DS means owning major parts of a fast-growing AI research organization, joining a collaborative, talent-dense team with decades of experience in probabilistic ML, accelerated computing, embedded systems, and signal theory, and growing your career in the areas that interest you. You’ll fit in if you want to come to work for the problem itself and don’t want to choose between technical rigor, business value, and real-world impact.

We work with high ownership and trust.

Responsible for the design, evaluation, and optimization of RF systems, supporting mission-driven applications in complex electromagnetic environments. Owns RF system design and end-to-end performance, leading RF efforts on cross-functional teams during design, development, test and deployment of DS Systems. This role integrates RF modeling, synthetic and hardware-in-the-loop data generation, hardware validation, and experimental analysis to inform system architecture designs under real-world constraints. Requires a strong foundation in RF systems, electromagnetic wave propagation, and RF communication modulation schemes as well as demonstrated collaboration and communication skills within multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

RF Hardware

• Drive technical direction and execution of RF efforts, independently identifying priorities, risks, and trade-offs in ambiguous environments
• Own end-to-end RF system performance across prototype platforms—from early concept through testing, validation, and iteration
• Lead the development of EMI/EMC mitigation and RF hardening strategies, ensuring robust performance in complex electromagnetic environments
• Design and optimize RF systems under real-world constraints, including hardware limitations, interference, and congested spectrum conditions
• Design and execute experiments to characterize performance, validate models, and uncover failure modes

RF Simulation

• Build and maintain RF simulation frameworks (antenna models, propagation models, channel simulations) to evaluate system design decisions
• Translate experimental and simulation results into clear, actionable insights that influence system architecture and operational decisions
• Collaborate deeply across disciplines—including Machine Learning, hardware, and mission teams—to align system design with algorithm development and operational needs
• Enable and support cross-functional teams by generating high-quality RF datasets and providing domain expertise for modeling, ML validation, and system integration

Deployment Planning

• Shape operational concepts in partnership with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure advertised performance is achievable in real-world deployments

What We Are Looking For

• Demonstrated experience owning technical projects or system components end-to-end
• Experience with RF simulation tools (HFSS, CST, MATLAB, GNU Radio, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience with general electronics laboratory test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Relevant experience designing and assembling RF signal chains for laboratory testing, including the use of filters, mixers, splitters, couplers, amplifiers, etc.
• Familiarity with software‑defined radio platforms and real‑world RF hardware applications
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex RF concepts to non‑specialists
• BS or higher or equivalent experience Electrical Engineering or Physics or similar

Nice to Have

• Experience working with Electronic Warfare Systems

• Familiarity with python and/or linux shell scripting

• Prior experience in a defense or government context

• Willingness to travel outside the lab for field experimentation and exercise support.

Who Thrives at Distributed Spectrum

• Fast learners over specific backgrounds – We care more about how quickly you can pick up new skills than where you’ve worked before.

• Intellectual honesty – The right answer matters more than being right. You challenge assumptions, test ideas, and pivot when needed.

• Adaptability – We’re organized, but sometimes things change quickly. You find a way to make it work and balance short‑term deliverables with long‑term goals.

• Ownership of outcomes – You optimize your own time, focus on what matters to deliver quickly, and cut out inefficiencies.

• Not building in a vacuum – You stay connected to the rest of our teams and our customers to make sure all the pieces fit together.

What We Offer

• Above-market salary, equity, and benefits package.

• Early Series A Equity

• Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) match - up to 4% of your salary

• Flexible PTO

• Daily office lunches in NYC

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.