RF Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Meridian is building a fundamentally new model for sovereign space infrastructure—delivering complete, owned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations that provide governments and commercial operators with full control, assured access, and sovereign communications capability at a fraction of the cost of developing these systems independently.

Backed by leading venture capital investors and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites, ground systems, and network infrastructure that will power Meridian's next-generation constellations.

Joining Meridian means working at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious space programs underway today - designing and building constellations that will put sovereign connectivity within reach of nations and operators worldwide. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances the design, development, and deployment of satellite constellations that governments and enterprises around the world will depend on for secure, resilient, and sovereign connectivity.

Your Mission on the Team:

In this role you will be responsible for developing software tools that accelerate, streamline and organize engineering development within the organization. This includes:

• Managing the test campaigns of various satellite communications technology development programs.
• Streamlining, automating and organizing test processes to accelerate R&D, integration and production efforts
• Designing, planning and executing new equipment tests.
• Organizing, managing and processing high volumes of test data.
• Test articles may include electronically scanned antennas, radio RF chains, passive component characterization, modems, entire satellite payloads, full satellite link bench simulation and on-orbit tech demonstration.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field
• Experience designing, planning, and executing tests on RF or communications hardware
• Hands-on experience with lab test equipment: spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes
• Working knowledge of RF and communications fundamentals: link budgets, modulation, noise, S-parameters
• Experience automating test equipment via SCPI, VISA, or equivalent
• Proficiency in Python for test automation and data analysis
• Experience organizing and processing large volumes of test data
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise good engineering judgement
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills

• A natural curiosity about how things work, with the patience and rigor to chase down the right answer rather than settle for a convenient one

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in RF, communications, or satellite payload test
• Experience testing electronically scanned antennas (phased arrays)
• Experience characterizing RF chains, passive components, or modems
• Experience with full payload or end-to-end satellite link testing
• Experience supporting on-orbit testing or tech demonstrations
• Experience building data pipelines for automated test — capturing, organizing, and querying results
• Proficiency with the scientific Python stack: NumPy, SciPy, pandas
• Experience building dashboards or visualizations for test data (matplotlib, Plotly, Streamlit, Dash)
• Familiarity with version control and CI/CD for test infrastructure
• Prior experience in fast-moving startup engineering environments

ITAR Requirements

Meridian is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

Meridian is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.