Principal RF/Electrical Engineer

About the role

You will define the RF and electrical architecture for satellite-to-standard-phone systems that operate on every continent on earth. You will translate orbital realities into link budgets, hardware schematics, and test procedures that keep a global commercial satellite network coherent. You will own the design of RF front ends, filters, LNAs, and the associated digital control paths that make unmodified mobile phones talk to satellites. You will iterate on bench prototypes, in-orbit data, and simulation models to refine performance across a distributed constellation. You will collaborate with systems, software, and payload teams to ensure RF solutions meet mission-level requirements. You will mentor junior engineers by providing clear technical direction and hands-on examples. Your work will directly influence how billions of people maintain connectivity using the phone already in their pocket.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define system-level RF architectures and electrical schematics for sat2phone payloads and ground infrastructure.

Develop detailed link budgets, capacity simulations, and coverage plans that account for satellite dynamics and spectrum constraints.

Perform interference analysis and propose mitigation strategies across orbital regimes and frequency bands.

Design and qualify RF front ends, including low noise amplifiers, filters, and SSPAs for space environments.

Support antenna selection, pattern design, and integration into small satellite platforms.

Create test plans and bench verification procedures using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and RF channel simulators.

Implement and debug hardware using SDRs, FPGAs, SoCs, and microcontrollers in rapid prototyping cycles.

Write and maintain technical documentation for designs, tests, and manufacturing handoffs.

Coordinate with systems engineering to align RF performance with constellation network requirements.

Collaborate with software teams to validate digital RF controls, calibration, and monitoring features.

Support integration, test, and delivery of flight hardware to satellite bus partners and launch providers.

Plan ground testing configurations that validate end-to-end satellite-to-phone call flows under realistic conditions.

Use data from in-orbit experiments to refine models and drive hardware improvements for future satellite generations.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in RF or Electrical Engineering.

Bring 15 or more years of experience developing space payload hardware and software, with emphasis on communications systems.

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of RF link budget techniques, RF active and passive components, and propagation effects.

Show experience designing complete wireless communication systems from concept to production.

Apply fundamental principles of antenna theory to practical payload and ground scenarios.

Perform hands-on RF Front End design, including SDRs, antennas, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, couplers, RF switches, PLLs, DC-DC converters, microcontrollers, and FPGAs.

Execute testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of RF systems across bench, lab, and orbital environments.

Program in one or more languages such as C++, C, Python, MATLAB, or similar to support analysis and test automation.

Operate comfortably within Linux based development and test environments.

Use electrical design tools like Altium Designer, ADS, and SolidWorks for schematic capture, simulation, and mechanical integration.

Operate test equipment including vector network analyzers, protocol signal generators, and spectrum analyvers.

Apply schematic capture and PCB layout skills using Altium to meet space quality requirements.

Employ strong knowledge of RF air interfaces, including how they adapt to mobile devices and regulatory frameworks.

Exercise strict attention to documentation, verification, and traceability required for space programs.

Nice to have

Experience with satellite communications payloads operating in LEO, MEO, or GEO.

Familiarity with standards and regulatory processes across more than 30 countries where Lynk holds approvals.

Hands-on work with cellular radio concepts and interactions between sat2phone and terrestrial networks.

Background in multi-orbit and inter-satellite link design, including optical and RF solutions.

Understanding of how traffic models and simulation feed into capacity and coverage planning.

Experience supporting flight hardware through launch, on-orbit commissioning, and early operations.

Practical notes

Work is full_time based in Chantilly, VA.

Hours are standard business hours with flexibility as required for testing and integration milestones.

This role may require travel to support integration, test campaigns, or partner facilities as project needs dictate.

Eligibility for government security clearance may be required based on project assignments.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of any background checks and authorization documentation.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and duties may evolve as Lynk pursues its mission to connect every person on the planet through direct satellite-to-phone communication.