Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, COTravel: Up to 5%Job ID: 1598

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Staff RF Test Engineer for the Spacecraft Test team to lead RF testing of both current production hardware as well as newly developed spacecraft RF hardware. This candidate should possess a strong combination of hardware and software knowledge with a primary focus on RF test methodologies and automation

The Spacecraft Test team works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From component production and testing to launch vehicle integration, we work hard to navigate technical and schedule challenges to deliver safe, functional spacecraft. This requires schedule flexibility during challenging times, but we seek to maintain work-life balance in return.

Responsibilities

• Development and management of high-value component/subsystem testing campaigns
• Recommend and implement improvements to testing processes and methodologies
• Assist system team in development of practical and measurable product requirements
• Monitor and maintain test equipment and ensure facility capabilities to support testing activities are in place
• Mentor a team of test engineers and technicians
• Analyze test results, and provide detailed reports to relevant stakeholders
• Work with design team to incorporate changes in system design to meet requirements
• Integration and test of RF components and subassemblies
• Verification and troubleshooting of RF subsystems through all phases of spacecraft integration
• Identify testing methods, develop test plans, and design GSE for risk mitigation and requirements verification and/or validation
• Develop/maintain/improve test scripts within an existing test automation framework
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for improvements in both test quality and efficiency
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Conduct environmental testing to ensure performance in various conditions
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability
• Adhere to safety and quality standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree + 12 years related experience, or master's degree + 8 years related experience
• Extensive hands-on experience working with and troubleshooting RF circuits and/or
• systems
• Expert knowledge of equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers,
• and arbitrary waveform generators
• Proficiency in data analysis and signal processing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW) for test automation
• Strong understanding of RF system architectures, figures of merit, and common
• impairments
• Strong understanding of RF principles, including signal propagation, modulation
• techniques, and antenna theory
• Hands-on experience working with RF PCB-based circuits
• Experience and comfort handling and operating spacecraft flight hardware safely
• Familiarity with spacecraft architecture and cross-functional engineering stakeholders
• A methodical approach to testing and problem solving of complex systems
• A track record of safe and effective testing of complex systems
• Experience leading teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations
• Experience operating in a contamination- and ESD-sensitive environment
• Experience testing high-power RF electronics

Required Qualification

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Compensation

The approximate base salary range for this position is $192,979 - $252,659. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.