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.