DescriptionSenior Systems Engineer What We Need Kymeta is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to help define and develop next-generation RF sensing, radar, and satellite-enabled solutions that extend the capabilities of Kymeta's electronically steered antenna technology into new operational domains. This role will work across RF, antenna, software, FPGA, networking, and system integration disciplines to transform customer mission requirements into deployable solutions for defense, intelligence, government, and commercial applications.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in complex RF systems, RF sensing operations, satellite communications, and system-of-systems engineering. Serving as both a technical leader and hands-on contributor, this individual will drive architecture development, technology trade studies, rapid prototyping, system integration, field demonstrations, and customer engagements. The position supports advanced applications programs focused on RF situational awareness, radar, passive sensing, autonomous sensing platforms, satellite communications, and government-sponsored research and development efforts.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as technical lead and primary systems engineering focal point for advanced applications programs involving RF sensing, radar, and satellite-enabled sensing solutions
- Translate customer mission requirements, operational concepts, and use cases into system architectures, requirements, performance budgets, and engineering execution plans
- Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts across RF, antenna, software, FPGA, embedded systems, and networking to deliver integrated operational capabilities
- Develop and maintain system-level artifacts including system requirements specifications, CONOPS, interface definitions, architecture diagrams, integration plans, verification strategies, and performance assessments
- Define system performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for sensing, detection, tracking, geolocation, communications, and spectrum awareness applications
- Lead technical trade studies evaluating architecture alternatives, sensor technologies, antenna systems, RF front-end designs, SDR platforms, FPGA processing solutions, and software frameworks
- Guide the development and integration of electronically steered antennas, SDRs, FPGA-based processing systems, signal processing algorithms, timing systems, networking equipment, and analytics platforms into field-deployable solutions
- Plan and execute laboratory testing, field demonstrations, and customer evaluations while analyzing performance data and driving system improvements
- Interface directly with commercial, government, and defense customers while supporting business development, proposal efforts, technology roadmaps, and capture activities
- Identify programmatic and technical risks and drive mitigation plans across all system elements
- Generate executive-level briefings, technical reports, and customer presentations that clearly communicate program status, technical performance, risks, and recommendations
- Evaluate and integrate commercial and government technologies while developing new concepts and architectures for RF sensing, spectrum awareness, and geolocation applications
- Collaborate with external partners, research organizations, universities, and government laboratories to develop and transition advanced technologies into operational capabilities
- Lead rapid prototyping efforts and technology demonstrations supporting customer-funded research and development programs
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - 8+ years of systems engineering experience involving RF sensing, communications, aerospace, defense, or intelligence systems
- Proven experience developing system architectures and requirements for multi-disciplinary systems involving hardware, software, networking, and signal processing elements
- Demonstrated success leading rapid prototyping, integration, and field demonstration efforts
- Demonstrated ability to bridge customer mission requirements with RF, software, FPGA, and hardware engineering teams to deliver integrated operational capabilities
- Strong understanding of RF systems including one or more of satellite communications, radar systems, RF sensing systems, electronic warfare systems, interference detection systems, or geolocation systems
- Demonstrated experience leading integration and test activities across multiple engineering disciplines
- Working knowledge of software-defined radio (SDR) architectures and digital signal processing concepts
- Familiarity with FPGA-based processing architectures and embedded processing systems used in RF sensing, communications, or radar applications
- Demonstrated proficiency using standard RF laboratory equipment e.g., spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers and oscilloscopes
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation of RF algorithms to investigate/validate prototype mission capabilities
- Proficiency with Python for analysis, automation, data visualization, and experimentation
- Experience operating within Linux-based development and test environments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with customers, leadership, and engineering teams
- U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain and a security clearance
EDUCATION - Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Advanced degree preferred but not required
- Demonstrated experience architecting, integrating, testing, and deploying complex RF, sensing, communications, radar, or electronic warfare systems may be considered in lieu of traditional educational credentials
COMPENSATION Kymeta is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. In the spirit of pay transparency, we have determined the salary range for this position to be $140,000 - $200,000. This is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would be atypical, in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. Compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and geography. The total compensation package for this position includes an annual target bonus of 10%, stock options, and benefits listed below. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.
BENEFITS We offer a competitive benefits package which includes:
Medical Plans: A choice between two competitive options
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
Vision & Dental
Life/AD&D
Employee Assistance Program
401k
Paid Time Off
- Exempt employees: Flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays per year
- Nonexempt employees: 15 vacation days, 7 sick days and 12 paid holidays per year
