RF Engineer - Satellite Systems
Job in
San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, 95111, USA
Listed on 2026-06-12
Listing for:
Astro Digital
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-06-12
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Telecoms Engineering
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Location:
San Jose, CA
Employment Type:
Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer (5-10 years) to design and analyze RF subsystems for next-generation satellite platforms. In this role, you'll be responsible for end-to-end RF chain design - including receive paths, transmit chains, front-end modules, and antenna integration and system performance optimization.
This is a hands-on role where you'll take designs from concept through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and test, working closely with mechanical, systems, and mission teams to deliver reliable flight hardware.
What You'll Do
* 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 chains.
* Contribute to link budgets and verify compliance with system requirements.
* Support antenna design, selection, and integration, ensuring proper impedance matching and radiation performance.
* Perform RF board schematic and layout in Altium Designer, including grounding, shielding, and impedance control best practices.
* Select and qualify RF components suitable for space and high-reliability environments.
* Perform lab testing and characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF equipment.
* Support system-level integration and troubleshoot RF issues during bring-up and test and on-orbit analysis and debugging.
* Document designs, analyses, and test results for internal teams and external stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
* B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
* 5 years minimum of experience in RF design, layout, and test.
* Strong background in RF receive/transmit chain design and cascade analysis.
* Hands-on experience with Altium Designer (or equivalent PCB CAD tool) for RF layout.
* Deep understanding of RF performance trade-offs: noise figure, gain, IP3, linearity, sensitivity, and power efficiency.
* Proficiency with RF design and simulation tools (Matlab RF and Antenna Toolbox and HFSS).
* Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
* Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Bonus:
* Experience with spacecraft RF systems, ground station hardware, or aerospace communications.
* Knowledge of antenna arrays, beamforming, or phased-array systems.
* Familiarity with modulation schemes, digital signal processing, or SDR integration.
* Understanding of radiation effects and environmental testing for high-reliability RF hardware.
* Experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Software Defined Radio (SDR).
* Proficiency in one or more programming languages, especially C/C++ and Python.
Why Join Us?
* Ownership of RF designs that enable cutting-edge satellite communications.
* Work on both receive and transmit systems, from concept to flight hardware.
* Join a collaborative team where your RF expertise directly impacts mission success.
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