Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
10+ years of experience in RF or communications systems design.
Proven track record in leading RF subsystem architecture from concept to qualification, preferably with spaceflight heritage.
Strong understanding of RF fundamentals like impedance matching and noise figure.
Proficiency in RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS) and PCB design tools (Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro).
Responsibilities
Lead RF and communications subsystem architecture and co-own system communications interfaces.
Develop system-level RF architectures for space applications.
Oversee RF component selection, schematic design, and PCB layout review.
Conduct hardware bring-up, tuning, and RF characterization using lab equipment.
Perform link budget analysis and trade studies for spacecraft communications architectures.
Support design verification considering environmental and radiation effects.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless integration and production.
Troubleshoot RF issues and propose design improvements.
Create technical documentation including requirements and test procedures.
Mentor early-career RF engineers to enhance departmental capabilities.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Access to additional benefits.
Full Job Description
Star Catcher Industries, Inc., located in Jacksonville, Florida, has an opportunity for a Senior Electrical Engineer - RF & Communications Systems to support the development of space-to-space power beaming spacecraft and the Star Catcher Network, its orbital power grid. This role will be responsible for leading RF and communications subsystem architecture and co-own system communications interfaces. Key Responsibilities
Lead RF and communications subsystem architecture and co-own system communications interfaces, including designing, simulating, and implementing RF circuits and subsystems such as LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and transceiver modules for space-to-ground communication links.
Develop and refine system-level RF architectures that meet demanding environmental, performance, and reliability requirements for space applications.
Lead RF component selection, schematic design, and PCB layout review with a focus on radiation tolerance, thermal performance, and high-frequency signal integrity.
Perform hardware bring-up, tuning, and RF characterization using lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters) to support first-article deployment.
Lead link budget analysis and trade studies for spacecraft communications architectures (e.g., TT&C, ranging, and crosslink concepts).
Support environmental, thermal, and radiation-effects considerations as part of design verification for space systems.
Work closely with systems engineering, digital/FPGA hardware, firmware, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient production.
Troubleshoot complex RF issues, execute root-cause analysis, and propose design improvements to enhance reliability and mission readiness.
Create technical documentation including requirements, design reports, test procedures, and verification artifacts.
Mentor early-career RF engineers and support the department's growth in communications systems engineering capability.
Basic Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
Experience: 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; spaceflight heritage is preferred.
Technical Expertise
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).
Desired Skills
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, including providing RF technical inputs for FCC licensing and ITU coordination through the responsible regulatory team.
Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical design reviews.
Help us deploy and scale space infrastructure that will drive our utilization of space forward! We offer a highly competitive benefits package including access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and paid parental leave, in addition to other benefits.
