Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent.
5+ years in RF communications system design and component engineering.
Expertise with transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and antennas.
Understanding of digital communications principles (modulation, error correction).
Proficient with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers).
Familiar with RF simulation tools (HFSS, ADS, FEKO).
Experience with environmental testing for aerospace applications.
Responsibilities
Own wireless communications systems from design to integration and testing.
Develop interface and functional requirements with cross-discipline collaboration.
Select and test RF components for qualification in interplanetary systems.
Perform detailed RF component performance analysis for communication systems.
Implement integration test beds with ground support equipment.
Conduct end-to-end system testing for vehicle and ground systems integration.
Create test plans and procedures for test event execution.
Benefits
Work with top engineers on pioneering planetary exploration projects.
Equity ownership in the company allows for direct stake in its success.
Comprehensive health benefits including mental health support.
401(k) plan with company matching to secure your financial future.
Flexible PTO and parental leave policies for work-life balance.
Reimbursement for home office setup ensures a comfortable work environment.
Weekly lunch stipend and complimentary snacks foster a collaborative workplace.
Monthly social hours enhance team bonding and culture.
Full Job Description
Senior RF Electrical Engineer
Department: Avionics
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Jake Peery
Compensation: $169,000 - $187,000 / year
Description
The Avionics team is responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems and hardware on Astrolab's electric rover vehicles and ground support equipment. We work collaborative with all teams at Astrolab to provide exceptionally capable and reliable electronics to serve our missions.
As a Sr. RF Avionics Engineer, you will be responsible for a wide scope of communications system and component design, build, test, and operations on lunar surface missions. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in RF communications hardware implementation including architecture, component selection, RF circuit design and analysis, and testing.
This position will report to the Director of Avionics Engineering and will be based in our Hawthorne, CA office.
What you'll do:
Own wireless communications systems and components from architecture to component selection, integration, test, and operations. Systems may be focused on interplanetary and local lunar communication links.
Develop interface and functional requirements and specifications to design to in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
Select, procure, and test RF components to ensure qualification for purpose on Astrolab's interplanetary systems. Qualification may include environmental testing as necessary.
Perform detailed RF component performance analysis to support end-to-end communication system requirements (e.g., EVM, gain/stability, noise figure, etc.) in addition to interdisciplinary system design (e.g., power, thermal, etc.).
Implement communication system integration test beds including ground support equipment
Perform end-to-end system testing including vehicle integration and ground station systems integration testing
Develop test plans/procedures to support the execution test events
Support vehicle mission operations to help maintain reliable communication links
Lead design reviews and collaboration with multi-disciplinary audiences
What you'll bring:
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
5+ years of experience in RF communications system design and component level engineering including transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and antennas.
Familiarity with digital communications fundamentals such as modulation schemes, spread spectrum, forward error correction, etc
Experience with RF test equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power meters, etc
Familiarity with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, FEKO, etc
Experience in hardware design for high reliability aerospace applications
Experience or familiarity with environmental testing including thermal chambers and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016
Benefits and Perks
Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
