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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design & Release Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$99.60K - $166.60K/yr

Experience and understanding of AM/FM/DAB, Satellite Radio, Cellular, GNSS and C-V2X reception ... RF) receiver/tuner or antenna system designs. Packaging knowledge of automotive antenna systems.

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 Michigan? For Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:
Staff Hardware Engineer- GNSS Connectivity

Staff Hardware Engineer- GNSS Connectivity

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

$116K - $153.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description
The Role
In-vehicle connectivity and precise positioning are critical enablers for advanced driver assistance, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle services. We are seeking a Staff Hardware Engineer- GNSS to lead the definition, design, and validation of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) solutions for our current and future generations of connectivity and compute platforms across a broad range of vehicles.
This role will serve as the subject matter expert for GNSS hardware and system performance, working closely with product, systems, RF, hardware design, suppliers, and validation teams to deliver robust, automotive-grade GNSS solutions.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities):
System & Requirements Ownership
  • Define end-to-end GNSS hardware and system requirements for connectivity and compute modules, including RF front-end, baseband, timing, and antenna interfaces.
  • Translate product and vehicle-level requirements into clear, testable engineering specifications for GNSS performance (sensitivity, accuracy, availability, robustness, TTFF, jamming/spoofing resilience, etc.).
  • Own GNSS-related sections of hardware requirement documents, design guidelines, and interface specifications.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Systems Engineering to understand use cases, feature roadmaps, and vehicle integration constraints, and reflect them in GNSS hardware requirements.
  • Partner with Vehicle Integration and Validation teams to align GNSS performance metrics and test plans with vehicle-level targets.
  • Lead and participate in design and technical reviews focused on GNSS architecture, hardware design, and validation strategy.

Supplier & Roadmap Leadership
Work with GNSS chipset/module and RF component suppliers to:
  • Evaluate and select GNSS solutions (chipsets, modules, LNAs, filters, antenna components).
  • Influence supplier technology roadmaps to align with our long-term product strategy.

Collaborate with Purchasing to:
  • Evaluate and score technical proposals and RFQs.
  • Provide clear technical recommendations balancing performance, cost, risk, and scalability.
  • Review and assess supplier test procedures and results for GNSS performance and compliance with internal standards.

Hardware Design & RF Integration
Work closely with Hardware Design and RF Engineering teams to:
  • Develop schematics for GNSS signal chains, including RF front-end, matching networks, filtering, and protection circuitry.
  • Review and approve PCB layouts for GNSS sections, focusing on RF best practices, grounding, isolation, controlled impedance, and coexistence with cellular, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and UWB.
  • Provide guidance on GNSS antenna interface requirements, including active/passive antennas, feed architecture, and placement constraints.
  • Support design reviews, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution related to GNSS performance, EMC/EMI, and interference/coexistence.

Lab & Conducted Testing
Define and execute conducted RF test plans for GNSS, including:
  • Sensitivity and dynamic range.
  • C/N₀, phase noise, and insertion loss characterization.
  • Jamming and interference susceptibility, including coexistence with other in-vehicle radios.
  • Develop test setups, fixtures, and automation for GNSS conducted characterization using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, GNSS simulators/recorders, and RF switch matrices.
  • Analyze test data and provide clear, actionable design feedback to internal teams and suppliers.

Vehicle-Level GNSS Performance & Test Cases
Define end-to-end vehicle-level GNSS performance requirements and KPIs, including:
  • Position accuracy, availability, continuity, and integrity across driving scenarios.
  • TTFF (cold/warm/hot start) and reacquisition.
  • Performance in challenging environments (urban canyon, tunnels, foliage, multipath, RF interference).

Develop vehicle-level GNSS test cases and procedures, including:
  • Drive routes, scenario definitions, and logging requirements.
  • Test methods using GNSS record/playback, reference receivers, and post-processing tools.
  • Support execution and analysis of vehicle-level tests, working with validation and field test teams to identify root causes and corrective actions for performance issues.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in GNSS and/or RF hardware design, system integration, or validation.
  • Strong understanding of GNSS systems and standards, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS.
  • Proven experience translating system-level performance requirements into detailed hardware, design, and test specifications.
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, GNSS simulators/recorders, power meters, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience with schematic design and PCB layout review for RF/GNSS circuits.
  • Working knowledge of RF theory (link budgets, noise figure, gain, linearity, filters, matching networks) and its application to GNSS front-end design.
  • Experience collaborating with suppliers and purchasing on technical evaluations, design reviews, and roadmap alignment.

People Skills:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deep dive complex technical issues and drive them to closure.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, including the ability to present technical topics to both engineering and non-technical audiences.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering or related discipline.
  • Experience with automotive GNSS applications, including vehicle-level integration and validation.
  • Familiarity with coexistence between GNSS and other wireless systems (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB) and corresponding mitigation techniques.
  • Knowledge of automotive EMC/EMI and regulatory standards relevant to GNSS and RF systems.
  • Experience with RF and EM simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS) and system modeling (e.g., MATLAB).
  • Background in GNSS antenna design or integration, including active antenna systems and multi-band configurations.
  • Experience with test automation and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar tools).

Compensation:
The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.
The expected base compensation for this role is: $160,000 - $245,000. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
Benefits : GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
Company Vehicle:
Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate.
Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.
#LI-DH2
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908