RF Engineer – Satellite Systems

$125,000 – $175,000

Full-time | On-site | San Jose, CA

Company Overview

Our client designs, builds, and operates advanced small satellite systems supporting turnkey missions in Earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, and exploration. With a focus on delivering reliable and innovative solutions, the company combines cutting-edge technology with a collaborative engineering culture to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space systems.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer to design, analyze, and validate RF subsystems for next-generation satellite platforms. This is a hands-on role where you’ll own the full RF design lifecycle—from concept and analysis through simulation, prototyping, and testing. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust RF systems that enable high-performance spacecraft communications.

This position offers the opportunity to work across receive and transmit chains, antenna systems, and system-level RF integration, contributing directly to mission success.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 systems
• Contribute to link budget development and ensure compliance with mission requirements
• Support antenna design, selection, and integration with proper impedance matching and performance validation
• Design RF schematics and layouts in Altium Designer (or equivalent), applying best practices in grounding, shielding, and impedance control
• Select and qualify RF components for high-reliability and space environments
• Perform lab testing and characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF test equipment
• Support system-level integration and troubleshoot RF issues during bring-up, validation, and operations
• Document designs, analyses, and test results for both internal teams and external stakeholders
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in RF subsystem design, layout, and test
• Strong background in RF chain design and cascade analysis
• Hands-on experience with RF PCB design tools (Altium Designer or equivalent)
• Deep understanding of RF performance trade-offs: noise figure, gain, linearity, IP3, and efficiency
• Proficiency with RF design and simulation tools such as MATLAB RF Toolbox, Antenna Toolbox, or HFSS
• Experience using RF test equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and power meters
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft RF systems, ground station equipment, or aerospace communications
• Knowledge of antenna arrays, phased-array systems, or beamforming techniques
• Familiarity with modulation schemes, DSP, or SDR integration
• Understanding of radiation effects and space environment testing for RF systems
• Experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Software Defined Radio (SDR)
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ or Python for RF-related applications