Senior RF Systems Engineer

Hermeus is a venture‑backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high‑speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high‑speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

As an RF systems engineer you will be responsible for identifying RF hardware requirements, creating system architectures, and building/testing/integrating the RF solutions – both on the aircraft and ground station. This position will require strong fundamentals, wide‑breadth design experience, and efficient troubleshooting skills. You’ll be responsible for high‑ownership technical delivery while working with a multi‑disciplinary team of engineering, manufacturing, and quality professionals.

• Simulate/model RF hardware for communication systems and sensors/instruments.
• Develop test concepts and test procedures for RF and Environmental testing, including far field and near field measurements (plus vibration, shock, thermal and thermal vacuum).
• Define hardware architecture and specifications for the RF system blocks, interfaces, and housing. Design, build and test microwave circuits and assemblies.
• End‑to‑end design validation and testing of RF product performance. Lead and conduct troubleshooting or root cause hardware performance challenges.
• Work with manufacturing and production teams on procuring and integrating quality RF module and antenna subsystems into our aircraft.
• Perform data analysis of RF systems, generate documentation/slides and present results to team.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline.
• 4+ years of professional experience designing and testing electrical, antenna and/or RF hardware and systems.
• Experience with RF/Antenna Systems in L/S/C/Ku and Ka‑Band frequencies.

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in cross‑functional teams.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem diagnostic skills.
• Understanding of electromagnetic propagation, impedance matching, Smith Chart, VSWR, P1dB, IIP3, NF, and etc.
• Understanding of digital modulation such as QAM, BPSK, QPSK, and SOQPSK or similar.
• Experience working with VNA, spectrum analyzers, RF power meters, and other relevant RF test equipment.
• Experience with test equipment automation and scripting.
• Strong hands‑on skills including prototyping/soldering and the use of a full range of instrumentation including multimeters, oscilloscopes, current meters, etc.
• Support ongoing regulatory filing including FCC, FAA, and AFTRCC.
• Previous Experience on Integration and Test of an RF Systems (of any kind) with Radio as an integral part of RF Systems.
• Master's degree with emphasis in Antenna, Electromagnetic theory and/or microwave circuits.
• Experience using HFSS (or similar antenna simulation tools).
• Familiarity with Antenna design, including types and tradeoffs.
• EMI/EMC testing per MIL‑STD‑461.
• Prior experience working on an airborne vehicle.
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment.
• Experience with Python or other scripting languages to aid automation, data analysis, etc.
• Ability to travel on short notice to support test campaigns.

Salary Range: $138,550 - $187,450 a year

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

• Health & Wellness: 100% employer‑paid healthcare and pet insurance
• Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year‑end bonuses
• Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non‑exempt employees
• Office Perks: Weekly paid office…