About the roleWe are looking for a hands-on RF engineer to own the selection, development, integration, and radio systems and associated RF hardware for our launch vehicle and spacecraft. You will turn mission requirements into a communications system that works reliably from the ground station to the vehicle.
You will lead RF system trades, maintain link budgets, and take radio hardware through bring-up, environmental qualification, vehicle integration, and flight support. This is an individual contributor role with technical ownership across suppliers and the electrical, mechanical, software, integration, and test teams.
Responsibilities- Define RF requirements and maintain link budgets for telemetry and command links, including antenna performance, losses, interference, and ground-station compatibility.
- Evaluate radios, antennas, and RF components for the required bands from UHF through Ka-band; assess performance, interfaces, qualification evidence, and integration risks.
- Own radio and RF hardware bring-up, configuration, characterization, and integration with flight software and vehicle avionics, working with suppliers to resolve interface and performance issues.
- Develop and execute acceptance and qualification plans for RF hardware, including functional, vibration, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum, and EMI/EMC testing as applicable. Coordinate facilities and equipment, lead test readiness, and maintain verification records.
- Develop RF test benches, fixtures, cabling, calibration methods, and automation with the test team; identify testability needs early and support repeatable acceptance testing for subsequent builds.
- Lead RF anomaly investigations across hardware, software, test equipment, and ground interfaces, verify corrective actions, and support flight operations.
- Prepare technical inputs for FCC licensing and coordinate compatibility testing with ground-station providers. Resolve RF interference and coexistence issues with payload and vehicle teams.
- Partner with the navigation sensor owner on GNSS antenna and RF interfaces, interference, and compatibility while maintaining clear ownership of the communications system.
Minimum qualifications- Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience developing or integrating RF communications systems for space applications, including hands-on hardware verification and environmental qualification.
- Experience translating communications requirements into radio and antenna selections, link budgets, and hardware or system-level verification plans.
- Proficiency with RF laboratory equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum or signal analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
- Working knowledge of digital communications and modulation, RF measurement methods, and EMI/EMC mitigation through grounding, shielding, filtering, and cable routing.
- Ability to use Python or MATLAB for test support and data analysis, document results clearly, and resolve integration issues with suppliers and engineers from other disciplines.
Preferred experience- Experience taking supplier-provided flight radios through vehicle integration, ground-station testing, and on-orbit operations.
- Experience with CCSDS protocols, software-defined radio interfaces, or modulation and coding schemes used in satellite communications.
- Experience automating RF instruments using SCPI, VISA, or comparable interfaces, and working in Linux environments.
- Experience applying space-hardware qualification and acceptance standards such as GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, SMC-S-016, or ECSS, and planning EMI/EMC verification.
- Experience using RF analysis tools such as HFSS, FEKO, ADS, or AWR, or preparing technical material for spectrum licensing and coordination.
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$170,000 - $202,00 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR Requirements- Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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 the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
