Head of Radio-Frequency (RF) Engineering

About the Company

Our client is a space startup that is developing a network of ultra-wideband (UWB) gateways to create a data highway between earth and space. As the space economy expands, the new bottleneck becomes the rate at which spacecraft can reliably transmit and receive data. This is addressed by a scalable digital ground network.

This company is founded by a team of technical experts and emerging industry leaders who believe that connectivity and commerce through space is the best way to expand access to opportunity for people on earth. Their innovative solutions will achieve faster, more reliable, and affordable satellite communications and as Head of Radio-Frequency (RF) Engineering you will play a key role in their journey.

This position is based in El Segundo, CA. More company details will be shared during an initial call.

Key Responsibilities

• Derive hardware specifications for the RF system and RF modules including filters, amplifiers, mixers, etc.
• Develop RF circuits, boards, and components from initial analysis to test.
• Simulate and model RF front-end systems (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and analyze performance.,
• Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, DSP/FPGA engineers to optimize system performance.
• Assess feasibility of various designs in support of architecture definition
• Fabricate and characterize RF prototypes, debug issues, and evaluate performance.
• Work with a cross-functional team to integrate RF modules into the overall system.
• Analyze performance data of production units and set specifications on manufacture/production.
• Analyze data collected from in-the-field operational units and collaborate with RF/antenna engineers to debug issues and investigate performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience with RF front end design and active RF circuits.
• Strong foundations in RF concepts such as impedance matching, smith chart, S-parameters, and power handling metrics.
• Familiar with RF fabrication and prototyping.
• Experience with software-defined radios and programs such as GNU Radio
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or MATLAB
• Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers used to validate performance of RF systems.
• Experience with RF circuit simulation tools such as AWR, ADS, or similar
• Ability to work in a fast paced and autonomously driven startup environment.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Benefits

• Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side!
• Working in El Segundo, CA – an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities.
• Competitive salary. Factors like job related knowledge, education, and experience will determine your salary.
• Equity in a funded space startup. They are all owners and if they are successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• Comprehensive healthcare package – includes coverage for dependents!
• Access to retirement savings plan – 401(k)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a cutting-edge field.

ITAR Requirement

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

About AdAstra

This position is a direct hire, permanent placement for a client of AdAstra.

AdAstra's mission is building thriving teams within elite aerospace organizations.

Our commitment is to curate and close premier talent for our partners, achieved via specialized technical screening, personalized culture assessment, and high-touch candidate engagement. We are motivated to foster boundless team satisfaction and catalyze innovation for future generations, enabling inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars.

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