Principal RF Engineer

About the role

Become a key member of the Starshield team, where you will focus on creating radio frequency (RF) systems tailored for satellite missions that serve government needs, particularly in the realm of U.S. national security. In this role, you will work closely with teams specializing in RF, digital signal processing (DSP), software, and hardware to develop advanced communication and remote sensing capabilities for low Earth orbit satellite constellations. The position emphasizes rapid development cycles, taking projects from initial concept through to operational deployment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Spearhead decisions at the program level regarding the architecture of RF systems.
• Explore innovative solutions to address complex RF challenges associated with large-scale satellite operations.
• Collaborate with FPGA, DSP, hardware, and software engineering teams to design and validate comprehensive RF systems.
• Manage the entire lifecycle of RF hardware, from printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) testing and identifying defects to validating assembled units and resolving anomalies in orbit.
• Create electromagnetic simulations for antennas, filters, and printed circuit board (PCB) layouts to evaluate their performance metrics.
• Revise electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight hardware, ensuring a strong focus on reliability and manufacturability.
• Conduct thorough analyses of RF system performance, including link budgets for communication and remote sensing applications.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to align project goals and timelines with broader organizational objectives.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on best practices in RF engineering.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in RF technology to inform design and development processes.
• Document design processes and results to maintain compliance with internal and external standards.
• Engage in troubleshooting and problem-solving activities to enhance system performance and reliability.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in RF engineering is essential.
• Proficiency in modeling and analysis tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, as well as programming skills in C/C++ or Python.
• Practical experience with RF testing equipment, including vector network analyzers (VNAs) and spectrum analyzers.
• Proven ability to create and maintain link budgets for both communication and remote sensing systems.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in evaluating RF system performance.

Nice to have

• A master's degree in electrical engineering, particularly with a focus on microwave or RF technologies.
• Experience in modeling RF and channel impairments, including multipath effects, phase noise, group delay, fading, and nonlinear distortion.
• Background in designing systems for radio astronomy, signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT), radar, or wireless communications.
• Familiarity with fundamental antenna theory and its practical applications.
• Experience with software-defined radios and frameworks like GNU Radio.
• Capability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret SCI clearance.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in using HFSS, CST, ADS, and MATLAB for RF modeling and simulation.
• Programming skills in C/C++ and Python for software development and analysis.
• Experienced in using VNAs and spectrum analyzers for RF testing.
• Skilled in conducting link budget analyses and electromagnetic simulations to assess system performance.

Practical notes

• ITAR restrictions apply: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or otherwise eligible for necessary State Department authorization.
• Candidates with an active security clearance may work on classified projects and will undergo pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Individuals holding an active clearance may receive a 10% pay differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once they are briefed into a classified program.
• Flexibility in working hours, including extended hours and weekends, may be required based on project demands.
• The base salary range for this position is between $210,000 and $300,000 annually, contingent upon relevant job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Additional compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits offered include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of paid vacation, over ten paid holidays each year, and paid sick leave in accordance with company policy.