Senior Electrical Engineer - RF & Communications Systems

The role

This person will lead RF and communications subsystem architecture and co-own system communications interfaces. They will design, simulate, and implement RF circuits and subsystems for space-to-ground communication links.

What you will do

• Lead RF and communications subsystem architecture and co-own system communications interfaces.
• Design, simulate, and implement RF circuits and subsystems such as LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and transceiver modules.
• Develop and refine system-level RF architectures for space applications.
• Lead RF component selection, schematic design, and PCB layout review.
• Perform hardware bring-up, tuning, and RF characterization using lab equipment.
• Lead link budget analysis and trade studies for spacecraft communications architectures.
• Support environmental, thermal, and radiation-effects considerations for design verification.
• Work with systems engineering, digital/FPGA hardware, firmware, and manufacturing teams.
• Troubleshoot complex RF issues and execute root-cause analysis.
• Create technical documentation including requirements, design reports, test procedures, and verification artifacts.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of professional experience in RF or communications systems design, including link budget analysis, RF front-end design, or transceiver/antenna systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading or co-owning RF subsystem architecture from concept through qualification in a demanding environment.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, linearity, gain, noise figure, phase noise, and EMI/EMC.
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, or equivalent.
• Experience with PCB design tools (Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or similar).
• Familiarity with spacecraft communications standards and practices (e.g., CCSDS, TT&C architectures).

Nice to have

• Spaceflight heritage is preferred.
• Experience designing or integrating spacecraft communications subsystems (TT&C, S-band/X-band/UHF, or similar).
• Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms.
• Experience interfacing with bus or payload accommodation vendors on communications requirements.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification standards (MIL-STD, NASA GEVS, or similar).
• Experience supporting spectrum licensing and coordination activities.
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical design reviews.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent upon results of a thorough background check.
• Must provide proof of eligibility to work in the US.
• To conform to 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 t

About the company

Star Catcher is building the first energy grid in space to power the orbital economy. They are building technology to wirelessly beam energy to spacecraft's existing solar panels.