The
RF Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of RF and antenna systems across Zone 5 products. This role is responsible for developing high-performance communication and RF architectures that operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments.
You will work across the full lifecycle-from concept and trade studies through integration, test, and production-partnering closely with Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software, Integration, and Test to deliver robust, scalable RF solutions.
Key Responsibilities- Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands and technologies.
- Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions through analysis, trade studies, and feasibility assessments.
- Perform RF analysis including link budgets, antenna patterns, RF chain performance, interference/desense, and installed system effects.
- Develop and validate RF/data link models and communication performance simulations.
- Conduct hardware and software trade studies to optimize RF system performance, robustness, and scalability.
- Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems.
- Debug and characterize RF issues including noise sources, interference, and aggressor/victim interactions.
- Integrate RF subsystems with avionics, payloads, and platform constraints to ensure end-to-end system performance.
- Develop and maintain internal RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
- Support test activities including lab validation, ground testing, and flight test data analysis.
- Present technical findings in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and leadership discussions.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF engineering standards and best practices.
Qualifications Required - B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
- 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.
- Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers, front-end design, and antenna integration.
- Familiarization with MANET radios (e.g. Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC, or similar).
- Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar).
- Experience performing RF system analysis (interference, system performance).
- Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, RTSP, and other transmission protocols, with the ability to perform link budget and data throughput analysis.
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).
- Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++, bash) for modeling and data analysis.
- Strong troubleshooting skills in complex RF environments.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively across IPTs.
Preferred - M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) or contested electromagnetic environments.
- Familiarity with communication systems, signal processing, and data link design.
- Experience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) and hardware implementation.
- Understanding of antenna theory and real-world integration constraints.
- Experience designing for manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.
- Experience supporting flight test or deployed RF systems.
- Active or eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance.
Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA:Level IV - $155k - $199k
Level V - $199k - $248k
Level VI - $248k - $284k
Pay range for this role
$155,000-$284,000 USD
What's in it for you:Benefits:
- Competitive total compensation package
- Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
- 401k with company-match
- 4 weeks of paid time off each year
- 12 annual company holidays
