Senior RF Engineer

The role

The RF Engineer will design, develop, and validate RF hardware for communication, telemetry, command, and control across spacecraft platforms. This role focuses on board-level RF design and integration for high-performance RF subsystems.

What you will do

• Design RF driver and receiver circuitry for optical communication links
• Develop end-to-end RF signal chain architecture
• Design and lay out high-speed RF/analog PCBs
• Perform signal integrity analysis
• Collaborate with optics and photonics engineers
• Support design, integration, and testing of free-space optical communication terminals
• Conduct RF circuit simulation and validate designs through lab measurement
• Debug and troubleshoot high-speed RF/optical link performance issues
• Work with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams
• Document design decisions and contribute to design reviews

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Photonics, or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience designing RF circuitry for high-speed communication systems
• Hands-on experience designing RF circuits to drive optical communication links
• Direct experience with free-space/open-space laser communication systems
• Experience working with high-speed RF communication links in the 1 Gbps to 50 Gbps range
• Strong PCB design and layout experience for RF circuitry
• Solid understanding of RF transmission line theory, impedance matching, and high-speed signal integrity principles
• Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools (ADS, HFSS, or equivalent)
• Proficiency with PCB design tools (Altium, Cadence Allegro)
• Experience with lab test and measurement equipment for high-speed RF characterization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communicator

Nice to have

• Knowledge and hands-on experience with opto-silicon (silicon photonics) design and integration
• Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF/optical hardware design
• Familiarity with laser diode driver ICs, transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), and high-speed modulator technologies
• Background in coherent or direct-detection optical communication link design
• Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) subsystems
• Understanding of link budget analysis and optical power/noise trade-offs
• Familiarity with fiber-optic component integration
• Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques
• Publications or patents related to RF/optical communication system design

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• Applicants 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Departmen

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. The company is based in San Carlos, CA.