Senior Radio Frequency Engineer

Senior RF Engineer Orange County, CA Our exciting Space client are looking for an RF engineer to be responsible for the RF design for a remote sensing payload, this roles responsibility includes the concept of operations (CONOPS) for the payload on the bus given on orbit constraints such as power, attitude, thermal loads.

Being responsible for all aspects include the ground processing.

With support as needed from the SAR/DevOps team, they will be responsible for designing and developing the ground-based solution that would work with various ground systems.

Success in this role requires someone with very detailed experience with both SAR theory as well as hands on design experience for both the hardware and software.

They will need to be a self-starter with strong initiative to assist in planning out the direction, executing on the plan, then adjusting the plan when unknowns become knowns.

Key Responsibilities: Analyze and optimize RF design for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project specificationsLead the design of complex systems involving high-speed digitizers, low-noise RF circuits, FPGAs, and embedded processorsWork closely with SAR Engineers to test and validate SAR payloads and data collectionsConduct detailed RF analysis for antennas and antenna arraysCreate RF subsystem requirements and derive engineering requirements to meet project goalsPerform microwave analysis using Python or similar toolsGenerate documentation and effectively communicate technical information to audiences of varying technical abilityContribute technical writing to RFIs, RFPs, and other business capture activities Ideal Qualifications: Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar field8+ years of experience in a similar engineering role (RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering)4+ years of experience in a spacecraft engineering discipline4+ years of experience in high-speed electronics and RF designExperience in anechoic testing with phased antenna arraysExpertise in RF test automation and data analysisExpertise in electromagnetics, RF, and antenna theoryFamiliarity with SAR imaging concepts and system designMastery of signal processing fundamentals, including the manipulation of complex-valued data Preferred Qualifications: 4+ years of hands-on experience in SAR payload design and integrationExperience with assembly, integration, and testing for spacecraft/payloadsExperience with embedded programming (C/C++) and FPGA design tools (Verilog/VHDL)Background in software configuration management (SCM) and CI/CD pipelinesExperience in Python or scripting languages for test automationExperience with formal verification and validation of space-rated systems Due to Import control requirements candidates will need to be Must be a US person with a current TS/SCI clearance or ability to pursue one.