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Senior RF Engineer

Planet
San Francisco, California
Full Time
Posted September 11, 2025
$183k - $229k
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Application opens on company website

Job Description

The role involves designing, developing, and testing advanced RF and microwave communication systems for next-generation small satellites, including transceivers, antennas, and associated hardware, to enhance satellite data transmission capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop next-generation onboard and ground radios and antenna systems for satellite communication.
  • Design, simulate, and test RF and microwave transceivers, antennas, and related hardware up to 30GHz.
  • Conduct environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing on communication subsystems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, software, and mechanical engineers to address design challenges.
  • Work with vendors on design projects and PCB layout for RF and microwave systems.
  • Validate and verify radio and antenna performance pre-shipment and on orbit after satellite deployment.

Requirements

  • BSEE degree is required, MS or PhD degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience designing and maturing RF and microwave systems, transceivers, antennas, and/or SDRs to market.
  • Ability to review low-level design decisions and understand their impact on the larger system mission.
  • Proven track record of owning, designing, and criticizing RF and microwave circuit design, RF and microwave layout, component selection, and evaluation.
  • Extensive lab experience with RF and microwave and mixed-signal board bring-up, characterization, and testing using various RF, microwave, analog, and digital test equipment.
  • Experience with RF/MW hardware transceiver and circuit design up to 30 GHz, including simulation tools such as Spice and ADS, and instrumentation, test, and characterization of RF/MW systems.
  • Knowledge of link budgets and interference analysis, EMI testing, and mitigation.
  • Experience with antenna design, simulation, and testing.
  • Proficiency in digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems.
  • Experience with Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and signal processing libraries such as GNURadio.
  • Ability to conduct validation and verification of radios and antennas pre-shipment and validate radio performance on orbit after satellite launch.
  • Proficiency in PCB layout projects and interface with cross-functional teams including electrical, software, and mechanical engineers.
  • Knowledge of digital communications theory and signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems.
  • Excellent documentation, presentation, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work physically at the headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 3 days a week.
  • Understanding of cross-team dependencies including electrical, software, mechanical, thermal, structural, manufacturing, and space environmental considerations.
  • Compliance with EAR export control requirements, including the ability to access export-controlled information without additional licensing.

Benefits & Perks

Compensation/salary range: $182,900 - $228,600 USD (US base salary)
Work schedule: 3 days a week in the San Francisco headquarters
Work environment perks: Remote-friendly work environment, Home Office Reimbursement, Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
Additional benefits: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans; Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution; Generous Paid Time Off; 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave; Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning; Equity; Commuter Benefits (if local to an office); Volunteering Paid Time Off

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