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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As an RF Engineer, you will help architect, design, and validate the advanced RF and microwave subsystems that enable mission-critical communications across aerospace, defense, and satellite markets.

New

As an RF Engineer, you will help architect, design, and validate the advanced RF and microwave subsystems that enable mission-critical communications across aerospace, defense, and satellite markets.

New

As an RF Engineer, you will help architect, design, and validate the advanced RF and microwave subsystems that enable mission-critical communications across aerospace, defense, and satellite markets.

New

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical ... About the Role We are seeking a seasoned spacecraft RF engineer to work on a closely integrated ...

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical ... About the Role Apex is seeking a talented spacecraft RF Engineer to work on a closely integrated ...

... satellites ever deployed in space. In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test ... RF engineering * Experience designing multilayer PCBAs and integrating commercial off-the-shelf ...

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... RF engineering * Experience designing multilayer PCBAs and integrating commercial off-the-shelf ...

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... RF engineering * Experience designing multilayer PCBAs and integrating commercial off-the-shelf ...

Managing the test campaigns of various satellite communications technology development programs ... S. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field * Experience designing ...

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical ... About the Role Apex Space is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own system-level verification and ...

RF Regulatory Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Perform technical analysis related to RF interference, spectrum sharing, and satellite coordination ... Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline * Experience in a system design, manufacturing ...

We design and build our satellites end-to-end, producing the world's most advanced earth ... About the Job As a Senior RF Design Engineer, you will design and validate the RF electronics that ...

We design and build our satellites end-to-end, producing the world's most advanced earth ... About the Job As a Senior RF Design Engineer, you will design and validate the RF electronics that ...

DSP Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

Satellites are only as powerful as the ground systems that connect to them - without that critical ... FORWARD DEPLOYED RF ENGINEER (RF SYSTEMS) We are looking for a Forward Deployed RF Engineer to lead ...

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Satellite Rf Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Satellite RF Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Satellite RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, with expertise in radio frequency (RF) theory, satellite communications, and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with RF simulation software (like CST or HFSS), spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and industry certifications such as FCC licensing are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork enhance success in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable satellite communication systems and efficient troubleshooting in a highly technical, mission-critical environment.

What are some common challenges Satellite RF Engineers face when working on satellite communication systems?

Satellite RF Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, atmospheric attenuation, and ensuring reliable communication links over long distances. Dealing with strict regulatory standards and coordinating frequency allocations is also part of the role. Additionally, troubleshooting hardware in remote or space-based environments can require creative solutions and close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as system integration and network operations.

What are Satellite RF Engineers?

Satellite RF Engineers are specialists who design, develop, test, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems used in satellite communications. They are responsible for ensuring reliable transmission and reception of signals between satellites and ground stations, often working with antennas, transmitters, receivers, and other RF components. Their expertise is crucial for enabling services such as satellite TV, internet, navigation, and remote sensing. Satellite RF Engineers also troubleshoot signal issues, optimize system performance, and comply with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Satellite Rf Engineer vs Satellite Communications Technician?

AspectSatellite Rf EngineerSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related, RF certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, RF and satellite training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldInstallation, maintenance, and repair of satellite systems on-site
Industry UsageDesign and optimize satellite RF systems for telecom, defense, or spaceOperate and maintain satellite communication equipment for service providers

Satellite Rf Engineers focus on designing and testing RF systems, while Satellite Communications Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Both roles require RF knowledge but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in California? For Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:
Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$200K - $285K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
PRINCIPAL RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RF software engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National Security. You will work with a team of RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and end users to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs
  • Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems
  • Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for full characterization of custom RF designs, often involving vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other common lab equipment
  • Design and build modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++ to support design validation, qualification, and production
  • Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
  • Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to design and evaluate performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • 8+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python
  • Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
  • RF experience with antennas or communication systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • Experience with testing both active and passive RF devices such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, and upconverters/downconverters
  • Experience with common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, and input/output matching
  • Experience with software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing methodology
  • Experience with environmental test methodologies and equipment such as thermal chambers and temperature forcing systems
  • Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
  • Experience using Windows and Linux operating systems
  • Experience with configuration management and version control software

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
  • Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred. Must be willing to pursue a clearance if not already cleared. Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF Software Engineer/Principal: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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