Rf Testing Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
Are you ready to help validate and shape the performance of next-generation satellite communication systems?
E-Space is pioneering a resilient, secure, and scalable space-based network that redefines global connectivity. As part of this effort, we are seeking a Senior Wireless Communications Test Engineer to lead the verification and performance evaluation of our end-to-end satellite communication systems, including hardware, software, and RF interfaces.
What is the role
This role is responsible for defining and executing system-level test strategies across various stages of development - from early software and hardware integration to fully integrated end-to-end link validation. You will oversee both cabled testbeds (without antennas) and over-the-air (OTA) test setups (including RF components) to ensure the system meets performance and reliability targets. You will collaborate closely with software, hardware, RF, and manufacturing teams to verify functionality, identify performance gaps, and provide actionable insights for iterative development. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role ideal for someone with a strong understanding of wireless systems and a passion for end-to-end performance testing.
This position is based in our Saratoga, CA office.
What you will do:

• System Integration & Testing
• Define and execute comprehensive test plans to verify system-level communication performance across RF hardware, embedded software, and protocol layers.
• Run both cabled and OTA test setups to validate link performance, signal integrity, timing accuracy, and system robustness under real-world and emulated conditions.
• Perform detailed analysis of key performance indicators (e.g., EVM, throughput, link margin, error rates) and track against specifications.

• Debug & Test Execution
• Lead root-cause analysis of system issues observed during integration and testing.
• Operate lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.) to troubleshoot RF and digital signal issues.
• Collaborate with development teams to validate fixes and maintain test coverage as the system evolves.

• Feedback Loop for Development
• Provide structured feedback to hardware and software teams to guide improvements in design and implementation.
• Participate in regular system integration reviews and serve as a key voice in product performance validation.

• Manufacturing & RF Test Support
• Contribute to test plan development and validation workflows used by RF and hardware manufacturing teams.
• Support the transition of lab-based testing procedures to production environments.

• Reporting & Documentation
• Maintain test logs, issue trackers, and summary reports for engineering and leadership visibility.
• Document reproducible test methodologies and contribute to internal verification standards.

What you bring to this role:

• 7+ years of experience in wireless communications system testing, preferably in RF and embedded environments.
• Strong familiarity with digital communication concepts and RF performance metrics.
• Experience with lab instrumentation and test environments (e.g., spectrum/VSA/VSG/VNA).
• Ability to write test scripts or automate processes (Python, MATLAB, etc.) is a plus.
• Understanding of 3GPP-based systems such as LTE or 5G is strongly preferred.
• Comfortable working across teams and communicating technical findings clearly.
• Ability to interpret test results in the context of overall system architecture and performance targets.

Bonus points for the following:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• Experience with satellite communication systems or over-the-air RF testing.
• Knowledge of test frameworks and signal generation tools for modem and protocol validation.
• Familiarity with test plans for contract manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to system-level verification in both lab and field conditions.

Additional Requirements
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $100,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.
Why E-Space is right for you:
As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.
We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:
• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.