RF Engineer - Satellite Systems (0/1)
Astro Digital
United States · San Jose, CA, USA
Posted on Feb 3, 2026
RF Engineer – Satellite Systems
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.
