Role:Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and architectural trade studies through design, fabrication, test, and qualification. You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and systems engineering teams to develop high-performance RF solutions in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities:- Lead architectural R&D efforts for new RF communications and payload subsystems by conducting trade studies and establishing requirements
- Develop and maintain RF system models and simulations, perform end-to-end link budget analysis, noise and linearity cascades, and interference/co-existence assessments to validate system performance margins across operating conditions.
- Drive the full hardware development cycle from bench prototype through design validation and qualification testing.
- Defining test plans, executing characterization campaigns, and documenting results to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
- Own the end-to-end PCB implementation of RF designs, including schematic capture, multilayer board layout (RF/mixed-signal), stackup definition, design rule checks, and liaison with fabrication and assembly vendors to ensure manufacturable, high-performance hardware.
- Design, simulate, implement, and characterize active and passive RF subsystems at microwave frequencies, including SSPAs, LNAs, power amplifiers, up/down converters, mixers, oscillators, and filters.
- Plan, develop, and execute RF testing at both board level and integrated system level using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
- Support regulatory compliance efforts including FCC licensing and frequency coordination
- Contribute to recruiting, mentoring, and technical development of teammates.
Qualifications:- S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
- 5+ years of RF engineering experience with a B.S. degree, or 3+ years with an M.S.
- Deep knowledge of fundamental RF concepts: circuit analysis, noise figure, linearity, gain, radio architecture, and
- Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing RF hardware at microwave and/or millimeter-wave frequencies.
- Proficiency in RF/EM simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, Cadence, etc)
- Proficiency in schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout (Altium preferred).
Preferred:- Experience developing RF hardware for aerospace, space, or other mission-critical environments.
- Experience with antenna design and electromagnetics/propagation.
- Experience phased-array antenna systems (beamforming, null-steering).
- Familiarity with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and associated digital signal processing.
- Proficiency in data analysis and scripting languages (Python) for test automation and signal processing.
- Familiarity with common bus protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART) and Linux command-line environments
- Familiarity with satellite communications systems (ground segment and/or space segment), including DVB-S2
Salary and Benefits:- Pay range: $150,000-170,000 annually to start
- Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
- Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
- Partial dependent coverage available
- 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
- Unlimited PTO and sick time
- 17 paid holidays (including a "winter break" Dec. 24-Jan. 1)
- Relocation assistance is available
