Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Astrolab

Senior RF Avionics Engineer for Astrolab designing communications systems for lunar surface missions. Collaborate with various engineering teams to ensure reliable communications.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeHawthorne • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $169,000 - $187,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in RF Communications System Design, including component selection and integration for aerospace applications. Proficient in developing test plans and performing end-to-end system testing to ensure reliable communication links.

Highest-signal resume keywords

RF Communications System DesignComponent-Level EngineeringRF Test Equipment ProficiencyEnvironmental Testing KnowledgeAerospace Hardware Design

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

RF Component Performance AnalysisDigital Communications FundamentalsModulation SchemesSpread SpectrumForward Error Correction

Soft Skills

CollaborationLeadershipCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Vector Network AnalyzersSpectrum AnalyzersPower MetersHFSSADSFEKO

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseMission-Critical ApplicationsEnvironmental Test StandardsThermal Chambers

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own wireless communications systems and components from architecture to component selection, integration, test, and operations. Systems may be focused on interplanetary and local lunar communication links.
Develop interface and functional requirements and specifications to design to in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
Select, procure, and test RF components to ensure qualification for purpose on Astrolab’s interplanetary systems. Qualification may include environmental testing as necessary.
Perform detailed RF component performance analysis to support end-to-end communication system requirements (e.g., EVM, gain/stability, noise figure, etc.) in addition to interdisciplinary system design (e.g., power, thermal, etc.).
Implement communication system integration test beds including ground support equipment
Perform end-to-end system testing including vehicle integration and ground station systems integration testing
Develop test plans/procedures to support the execution test events
Support vehicle mission operations to help maintain reliable communication links
Lead design reviews and collaboration with multi-disciplinary audiences

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
5+ years of experience in RF communications system design and component-level engineering, including transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and antennas.
Knowledge of digital communications fundamentals, including modulation schemes, spread spectrum, and forward error correction.
Experience using RF test equipment, including vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
Experience with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, FEKO, or similar software.
Experience designing hardware for high-reliability aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical applications.
Experience with or knowledge of environmental testing, including thermal chambers and environmental test standards (e.g., SMC-S-016).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks