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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

BlackSky

Senior RF Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

Senior RF Engineer About Us: BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the ... As a member of the satellite communications system, you will be involved with performing ...

BlackSky

Senior RF Engineer

Tukwila, WA

Senior RF Engineer About Us: BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the ... As a member of the satellite communications system, you will be involved with performing ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Satellite EGSE Lead - TeraWave

Seattle, WA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related technical field * 8+ years of experience in EGSE design, development, and integration for aerospace or satellite systems

Blue Origin

Satellite EGSE Lead - TeraWave

Seattle, WA

$63 - $86.25/hr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related technical field * 8+ years of experience in EGSE design, development, and integration for aerospace or satellite systems

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All JobsSatellite Rf Engineer JobsSatellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Satellite Rf Engineer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$39.7K

$126.4K

$196.5K

How much do satellite rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite rf engineer in Tacoma, WA is $126,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,700.00 and $149,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite RF engineer?

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 is a satellite RF engineer?

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 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 job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:
What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:
Satellite Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in Tacoma, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,380 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior RF Engineer

BlackSky

Tukwila, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Senior RF Engineer
About Us:
BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.
BlackSky is looking for an engineer with a strong background in RF communications to be a part of a multi-disciplinary team in the development of satellite communication systems. As part of the Communications Engineering team, you will be instrumental in engineering design, production and testing of our communication systems on our next gen satellites along with ground station compatibility. While primarily focused on spacecraft communications, you'll be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle through design, integration, test, and ultimately the operation of satellites. This position is ideal for a candidate who possesses the eagerness and aptitude to adapt and extend traditional systems engineering and spacecraft development practices to an agile and low-cost environment.
You will be engaged in all aspects of satellite system and subsystem electrical design and test, with a focus on RF networks and satellite communication systems. You will use your understanding of electrical and RF communications principles and concepts to support the design and development of satellites through all phases of the product lifecycle. You'll work directly with technical leadership and other members of a multi-disciplined team to develop and test microsatellite communications systems. You will architect and execute test plans to show functionality of these systems. Furthermore, you will also be responsible for interfacing with ground station providers and satellite end users to ensure system compatibility. This role will be based out of Tukwila, WA and will report to the Director of Ground and Communication Systems.
Responsibilities:
  • As a member of the satellite communications system, you will be involved with performing communications system design and analysis, testing, debug, data analysis, and supporting flight hardware design.
  • Perform functional analyses (link, power, throughput, etc.), detailed trade studies, and interface definition efforts to translate initial requirements into concepts and eventually detailed and qualified designs.
  • Identify the necessary space-segment and ground-segment hardware necessary to accomplish payload and telemetry transmission over a wide range of mission CONOPS and orbital parameters.
  • Create dedicated test setups, procedures for antenna checkout, radio peripheral checkout, cable/phasing network checkout, ground station compatibility tests, channel simulation tests, regulatory tests, and end to end full RF systems tests.
  • Work hands-on with digital and analog RF equipment including radios, antennas, ADCs, and ground support equipment.
  • Support production testers in the development and execution of test plans that ensure adequate testing of units and the complete system.
  • Interface with supplier/vendors as needed to support subsystem procurement, design, development, and production.
  • Collaborate among a multi-disciplinary engineering and production team to design and test satellite systems, subsystems, and components
  • Support analyses and troubleshooting of in-orbit communication challenges and advise on operational Con Ops and performance.
  • Manage competing priorities and manage individual tasks towards larger company and team objectives.
  • Other relevant duties assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • A minimum of five years of technical experience, preferably in a space operations environment.
  • Understanding of EE fundamentals/RF communications systems from a first principles perspective, including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation.
  • Familiarity with existing communications technology in aerospace and space industries.
  • Experience developing and validating RF link budget system models.
  • Knowledge of key parameters for Noise and Linearity for RF Systems and their impact on system performance.
  • Familiarity with using RF and Electrical Test Equipment (e.g. oscilloscope, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, VNA, noise sources, etc.)
  • Ability to develop of design documentation.
  • Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills, including team leadership experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
  • Ability to multi-task within a startup, fast paced environment.
  • Proven experience as a self-starter, that can work independently to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
  • For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with avionics and antenna installation, testing and maintenance.
  • Understanding of radiation effects on electronics.
  • Experience with requirements and verification database management tools (We use Jama, DOORS and others are also good experience to have).
  • Knowledge of CCSDS communications standard and AES/GCM encryption.
  • Experience with DVB-S2/S2X.
  • Experience with test automation and efficient data processing (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).
  • Experience writing software for data analysis and test conduct (python, MATLAB, bash, etc.) and developing test scripts to interface with hardware.
  • Knowledge of RF licensing procedures or other RF regulatory experience.
  • Ability to balance system level thinking with detailed problem solving.

Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible employees includes:
  • Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
    • BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
  • 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more
  • 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
  • Employer matching donations
  • Professional development
  • Mac or PC? Your choice!
  • Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Tukwila, WA is $135,000 to $155,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Tukwila, WA.
BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. #LI-Hybrid
EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
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About BlackSky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2013

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