Principal RF Engineer

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanitys presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Principal RF Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company's RF subject-matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and provide technical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which will carry NASA astronauts farther than theyve ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the company's subject matter expert for RF systems, provide technical leadership, peer mentoring, lead design reviews, and provide strategic guidance

Performelectromagnetic simulation and analysis of RF systems for satellite and rover applications

Design, develop, and integrate RF subsystems to meet stringent mission, performance, and regulatory requirements with an emphasis on Ka-band, S-band, and X-band

Conduct RF trade studies using modeling and simulation to inform design decisions

Build, integrate, and test RF hardware, including antennas and payload communications subsystems

Develop and execute detailed RF and antenna test plans and simulations (VSWR, gain, radiation patterns, etc.)

Build and analyze link budgets for space‑to‑Earth communications

Model and analyze antenna co‑site and interference relationships

Use industry‑standard tools to model and validate RF performance

Author highly technical documentation, white papers, and test reports describing RF designs, analyses, and results

Partner with RF team and program leadership to ensure technical performance, timeline adherence, and program execution

Required Qualifications

Deep understanding of RF systems with the ability to design, analyze, and test complex RF architectures

Proven hands‑on experience in architecting RF systems and test equipment racks

Demonstrated ability to define, execute, and document RFtests against requirements

Experience developing detailed test plans, managing schedules, and coordinating resources in cost‑ and regulation‑constrained environments

Expert with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and power meters

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Minimum of 12 years of relevant RF engineering experience

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, detailed technical documentation

Highly organized, self‑motivated, and driven to meet critical deadlines

U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or Doctorate in Electrical Engineering

Existing relationship with NASA SCaN office and other key NASA stakeholders

Experience developing, testing and certifying space, satellite, or planetary rover RF systems

Experience working across multidisciplinary vehicle engineering teams

Expert knowledgeof regulatory and compliance standards for space communications

Expert knowledgeof MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-461

Expert with RF modeling and analysis tools, including:

Ansys HFSS

Ansys EMIT

STK

Python

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays Parental leave Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.