Sr. RF Electrical Engineer

Responsibilities

• This position will report to the Director of Avionics Engineering and will be based in our Hawthorne, CA office.
• Own wireless communications systems and components from architecture to component selection, integration, test, and operations. Systems may be focused on interplanetary and local lunar communication links.
• Develop interface and functional requirements and specifications to design to in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
• Select, procure, and test RF components to ensure qualification for purpose on Astrolab’s interplanetary systems. Qualification may include environmental testing as necessary.
• Perform detailed RF component performance analysis to support end-to-end communication system requirements (e.g., EVM, gain/stability, noise figure, etc.) in addition to interdisciplinary system design (e.g., power, thermal, etc.).
• Implement communication system integration test beds including ground support equipment
• Perform end-to-end system testing including vehicle integration and ground station systems integration testing
• Develop test plans/procedures to support the execution test events
• Support vehicle mission operations to help maintain reliable communication links
• Lead design reviews and collaboration with multi-disciplinary audiences

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in RF communications system design and component-level engineering, including transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and antennas.
• Experience with digital communications fundamentals, including modulation schemes, spread spectrum, and forward error correction.
• Experience using RF test equipment, including vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power meters.

Preferred

• Experience with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, FEKO, or similar software.
• Experience designing hardware for high-reliability aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical applications.
• Experience with or knowledge of environmental testing, including thermal chambers and environmental test standards (e.g., SMC-S-016).

Benefits and Perks

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration

Equity ownership in the company

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave

Home office set up reimbursement

• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

Compensation

$169,000 - $187,000 / year