RF Systems Engineer

The role

You will help design, develop and integrate RF communication systems for satellite connectivity and RF payload programs. You will work on RF architecture, signal processing algorithms and performance analysis, alongside FPGA, embedded software, systems and hardware engineers.

What you will do

• Contribute to the design and development of RF systems for satellite connectivity and payload applications, including architecture, requirements and technical trade-offs.
• Perform RF link budget analysis and evaluate subsystem performance across S-band, X-band and inter-satellite link (ISL) applications.
• Develop and optimize signal processing algorithms for RF payloads using MATLAB and related simulation tools.
• Support RF payload development across the signal chain, from antennas and RF frontends to ADCs and SDR systems, including signal detection and geolocation.
• Collaborate with FPGA, embedded software and systems teams to translate RF requirements into implementable solutions and integrate signal processing algorithms.
• Define and track system requirements, documenting technical decisions, integration activities and verification results.
• Support RF testing, hardware integration, troubleshooting and performance verification through AIT and in-orbit commissioning.
• Work across engineering and AIT teams to drive successful development and integration of RF systems and payloads.

Required qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, subsystem integration or a closely related field.
• Proven experience with RF system integration, debugging, testing and performance analysis.
• Experience with signal processing algorithms, including the ability to model, analyze or evaluate RF signal processing approaches.
• Knowledge of RF communication systems and subsystems, particularly S-band and X-band communications.
• Experience with RF link budget calculations and RF system-level performance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with RF hardware, test equipment and subsystem validation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive technical activities and collaborate across system and software integration efforts.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) architectures and development.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based signal processing, including working with FPGA teams to implement DSP algorithms or IP blocks.
• Knowledge of key SDR components, including channelizers, analog-to-digital converters (ADC) and digital-to-analog converters (DAC).
• Experience using MATLAB for signal processing, modeling, simulation or algorithm development.
• Experience translating system-level RF and signal processing requirements into FPGA or embedded software implementation requirements.
• Experience with antenna systems, RF frontends and RF payload architecture.
• Familiarity with RF geolocation, signal detection, spectrum analysis or SIGINT-related applications.
• Experience with RF testing, integration and performance verification in an aerospace or satellite environment.

Benefits

• Equity
• Up to 35 days of paid time off (vacations and RTT) and flexible working hours
• Health and life insurance
• Lunch vouchers
• Cross-office travel opportunities between San Francisco, Colorado and Toulouse
• Company and team off-sites and other events
• Relocation assistance to Toulouse when applicable

Before you apply

• Attach a copy of your resume in English.

About the company

Loft provides governments, companies and research institutions with a fast, reliable and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. Founded in 2017, it has flown more than 30 missions and has offices in San Francisco, Golden and Toulouse.