RF Engineer - Satellite Systems

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.