Job Description
The role involves designing, developing, and testing advanced RF and microwave communication systems for next-generation small satellites, including transceivers, antennas, and signal processing hardware, to enhance satellite communication capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop next-generation onboard and ground radios and antenna systems for satellite communications.
- 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 for space deployment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, software, and mechanical engineers to address design challenges.
- Work with vendors on design projects and oversee PCB layout and interface development.
- Validate and verify radio and antenna performance pre-shipment and on orbit after satellite launch.
Requirements
- BSEE (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering) is required, MS or PhD 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 systems, mixed-signal boards, and characterization and testing using various RF, microwave, analog, and digital test equipment.
- Experience with RF and microwave hardware transceiver and circuit design up to 30GHz, including simulation tools such as Spice and ADS, and instrumentation.
- 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 perform validation and verification of radios and antennas pre-shipment and validate radio performance on orbit after satellite launch.
- Excellent documentation, presentation, and communication skills.
- Knowledge of digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems.
- Experience with Altium or similar EDA tools, high-density mixed-signal PCB design, and high-speed clock trees (preferred but not mandatory).
- Understanding of cross-team dependencies including electrical, software, mechanical, thermal, structural, manufacturing, and space environmental considerations.
- Ability to work in an environment requiring access to export-controlled information, with the ability to obtain necessary export licenses.
- Physical presence at the headquarters in San Francisco, CA, for 3 days a week.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Remote-friendly work environment
Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Home Office Reimbursement
Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
Equity
Commuter Benefits if local to an office
Paid Volunteering Time Off
Salary range of $182,900 - $228,600 USD (dependent on experience, skills, and location)
Potential eligibility for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives, bonuses, and equity
Ready to Apply?
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