Startup Jobs
Post a Job
E-SPACE
E-SPACE

Senior RF Front-End Engineer — Phased Array Antenna & RF Front-End Electronics

Santa Clara, California, U.S.
Full-Time
On-site
$160,000 – $195,000 per year

TLDR

Translate system requirements into RF designs, then carry phased-array hardware through layout, bring-up, testing, calibration, and flight release.

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

E-Space is seeking a Senior RF Front-End Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and verify flight RF front-end electronics for spacecraft phased-array antennas and satellite communication systems. This hands-on role provides end-to-end ownership—from translating system requirements into device-level RF/microwave circuit designs through schematic capture, board layout, prototype bring-up, testing, and simulation-to-measurement correlation. The engineer will develop robust RF hardware for operation in the space environment while collaborating closely with our principal RF engineer and the broader antenna electronics team. 

Your mission

Deliver efficient, reliable RF front ends that connect phased-array apertures to spacecraft communication electronics and meet mission requirements throughout the operating environment.

What you will own

  • RF architecture and hardware. Translate system and link requirements into RF specifications and own transmit and receive chains through design, integration, verification, and release.
  • Circuit and component design. Design or integrate power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, filters, duplexers, switches, couplers, attenuators, mixers, synthesizers, transceivers, phase shifters, beamformer devices, and matching networks.
  • RF analysis. Perform cascaded analysis and architectural trade studies for gain, noise figure, sensitivity, linearity, compression, IP3, dynamic range, isolation, stability, efficiency, spurious performance, EIRP, and link margin. Address simultaneous transmit-and-receive and FDD architectures as required.
  • Simulation and PCB implementation. Use Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, or equivalent tools for RF analysis. Define or review RF stackups, controlled-impedance lines, grounding, shielding, biasing, isolation, component placement, and critical routing.
  • Mixed-signal and signal distribution. Develop or integrate RF boards with ADC/DAC and modem interfaces where required. Contribute to RF signal distribution over fiber, including analog RF-photonic or digitized approaches.
  • Array integration and calibration. Integrate RF channels with antenna elements, beamforming networks, digital electronics, firmware, power, thermal, and mechanical systems. Develop amplitude and phase calibration methods that account for channel variation, temperature, coupling, and stability.
  • Characterization and verification. Plan and perform measurements with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, noise-figure equipment, oscilloscopes, and antenna ranges. Correlate results with analysis and resolve discrepancies through disciplined troubleshooting.
  • Qualification and release. Support environmental qualification, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation testing as applicable. Establish test procedures, acceptance criteria, calibration methods, and design documentation for reliable release.

    • How you lead

  • End-to-end ownership. Drive decisions and actions across interfaces until the hardware meets its requirements and the evidence is complete.
  • Decisive, data-based work. Prioritize the measurements and analyses that reduce technical risk; communicate tradeoffs, schedule impacts, and recommended actions directly.
  • Integration mindset. Anticipate interactions among RF, antenna, digital, power, thermal, mechanical, and spacecraft systems, and resolve interface issues early.
  • High-quality execution. Use repeatable design and verification methods, document results, and share technical guidance with engineers and technicians.

    • What you bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree with 6+ years; or a Ph.D. with 4+ years.
  • Hands-on ownership of RF front-end hardware from analysis and design through prototype fabrication, bring-up, and verification.
  • Strong understanding of S-parameters, matching, transmission lines, noise figure, gain compression, intermodulation, stability, isolation, filtering, and RF power measurement.
  • Experience with phased arrays, beamforming systems, satellite communications, radar, or another complex multi-channel RF system.
  • Experience with ADS, AWR, or equivalent RF circuit tools, as well as schematic capture and PCB layout review.
  • Proficiency with RF laboratory equipment and independent troubleshooting of complex hardware.
  • Clear technical communication and the ability to make data-driven decisions across disciplines and under schedule constraints.
  • Preferred: space or high-reliability hardware, beamformer ICs, amplitude/phase calibration, RF-photonic distribution, mixed-signal interfaces, environmental qualification, or Python test automation.

    • What success looks like

    The RF front end meets approved link and array requirements with verified margin; RF simulations and measured hardware agree sufficiently to support design decisions; calibration and environmental test methods are defined; and integrated hardware is ready for qualification and flight release.

    Additional Requirements

    This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

    Why E-Space is right for you:

    As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

    We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

    • An opportunity to really make a difference

    • Sustainability at our core

    • Fair and honest workplace

    • Innovative thinking is encouraged

    • Competitive salaries

    • Continuous learning and development

    • Health and wellness care options

    • Financial solutions for the future

    • Optional legal services (US only)

    • Paid holidays

    • Paid time off

    Benefits

    Equity Compensation

    Financial solutions for the future

    Health Insurance

    Health and wellness care options

    Learning Budget

    Continuous learning and development

    Optional legal services (US only)

    Paid Time Off

    E-SPACE
    E-SPACE

    E-Space builds advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) systems specifically designed to support large-scale deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We cater to businesses and innovators looking for reliable space-based communications that seamlessly bridge the gap between Earth and space.

    Founded
    Founded 2022
    Employees
    51-200 employees
    Industry
    Diversified Telecommunication Services
    Total raised
    $50M raised
    Aerospace & Defense Climate & Energy Enterprise Software
    View company profile
    Front-end Engineer