Contract Rf Optimization Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others - with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

You will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for communication systems and beyond to be hosted on some of the biggest, most powerful, rapidly designed and rapidly manufactured satellites ever deployed in space. In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new DSP algorithms and software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work with a team of fellow RF, FPGA, software, mechanical, and electrical engineers in order to prototype your systems and refine your designs. In your first two years you will have flown your system in space.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of DSP algorithms for embedded devices and SDRs
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of software and hardware engineers to develop software defined radio systems
• Act as technical leader and subject-matter expert helping to teach, grow, and mentor others in the team

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or related science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field
• 8+ years of experience in RF digital communications and DSP systems
• Strong knowledge of DSP concepts such as: modems, channelizers, Doppler compensation, resampling signal processing, adaptive filtering, and floating vs fixed point implementations
• Strong knowledge of digital communications theory and systems including: spread spectrum, forward error correction, channel estimation, channel equalization, channel coding, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM
• Strong experience with signal detection topologies including: burst detection, digital up and down-conversion, IF signal processing, phase lock loops, costas loops, non-coherent detection, spreading and de‑spreading algorithms
• Strong experience in developing filter topologies including FIR filters, IIR filters, and trading between both implementations
• Strong experience implementing transmitting and receiving topologies in GNU Radio in simulation-only environments as well as coupled with GNU Radio-compatible SDRs
• Strong experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high velocity start-up atmosphere

• Experience with FPGA design, implementation, verification, and validation for RF applications
• Experience with signal intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), and satellite telecommunications
• Experience with channel emulators, and writing system-level simulations that go beyond the DSP layer
• Experience with software defined radio hardware development including data converters (digital to analog and analog to digital converters), clock trees, and data converter interfaces
• Experience with coupled hardware and DSP algorithm design, specifically with respect to compensation and continuous monitoring of analog-front end characteristics

• Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $220,000 + equity in the company
• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

As defined in the ITAR, U.S. Persons include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a U.S. Person.

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.