Electrical Engineer – Radio Frequency (RF) Systems

Saronic; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Stock Options

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Lunch & snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies in Austin, TX, seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in RF systems to advance autonomous maritime platforms. You will lead RF design, testing, and integration across shipboard networks, radar, and sensing subsystems, shaping platform capabilities and performance.

The role emphasizes hands‑on hardware experience, rigorous benchmarking, and collaboration with software, autonomy, and mechanical teams to ensure robust field-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of professional experience in RF system design, testing, and integration - preferably in maritime, automotive, aerospace, or defense applications.
• Deep understanding of RF theory, antenna design, and signal propagation, including real-world marine effects (multipath, reflection, attenuation).
• Hands‑on experience with RF instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.).
• Proven ability to conduct trade studies and technology benchmarking for RF components and systems.
• Familiarity with communications protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, and serial interfaces, and with wireless standards (LTE, SATCOM, mesh networking).
• Strong documentation and communication skills; able to translate test results into actionable design insights.
• Ability to work effectively in both lab and field test environments (dockside, at‑sea, and range conditions).

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts in RF communications, radar, and electronic sensing technologies for autonomous surface vessels.
• Evaluate and benchmark RF hardware and subsystems, including radios, antennas, and signal processing modules across multiple frequency bands (VHF/UHF, L/S/C/X bands).
• Conduct trade studies and comparative analyses of commercial and military‑grade RF solutions to inform system selection and integration strategies.
• Design, prototype, and test RF systems and supporting electrical architectures, including cabling, shielding, and power interfaces.
• Model and analyze RF propagation and link performance in maritime and littoral environments.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless integration of communication and sensing systems.
• Develop test procedures, perform validation trials, and analyze system performance under operational and environmental conditions.
• Author detailed R&D documentation, including technical reports, design specifications, and performance evaluations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Saronic’s RF technology roadmap and internal knowledge base.
• Support field testing and vessel trials, including setup and troubleshooting of communication and radar systems.

Skills

RF design

Antenna design

Signal processing

RF testing

Trade studies

Ethernet/CAN

Field testing

Education

B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

Signal generator

Power meter

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Radio Frequency (RF) systems to join our Electrical Engineering – Advanced Development group. This role will focus on the research, evaluation, and integration of RF communications and sensing technologies - including radio transceivers, radar systems, antennas, and related electronics - supporting autonomous vessel networks and situational awareness.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in RF system design, testing, and benchmarking, with a strong foundation in wireless communications, spectrum management, and signal propagation in marine environments. This is a technically demanding, research-focused position with opportunities to influence system architecture and future platform capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts in RF communications, radar, and electronic sensing technologies for autonomous surface vessels.
• Evaluate and benchmark RF hardware and subsystems, including radios, antennas, and signal processing modules across multiple frequency bands (VHF/UHF, L/S/C/X bands).
• Conduct trade studies and comparative analyses of commercial and military-grade RF solutions to inform system selection and integration strategies.
• Design, prototype, and test RF systems and supporting electrical architectures, including cabling, shielding, and power interfaces.
• Model and analyze RF propagation and link performance in maritime and littoral environments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless integration of communication and sensing systems.
• Develop test procedures, perform validation trials, and analyze system performance under operational and environmental conditions.
• Author detailed R&D documentation, including technical reports, design specifications, and performance evaluations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Saronic’s RF technology roadmap and internal knowledge base.
• Support field testing and vessel trials, including setup and troubleshooting of communication and radar systems.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of professional experience in RF system design, testing, and integration -preferably in maritime, automotive, aerospace, or defense applications.
• Deep understanding of RF theory, antenna design, and signal propagation, including real-world marine effects (multipath, reflection, attenuation).
• Hands‑on experience with RF instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.).
• Proven ability to conduct trade studies and technology benchmarking for RF components and systems.
• Familiarity with communications protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, and serial interfaces, and with wireless standards (LTE, SATCOM, mesh networking).
• Strong documentation and communication skills; able to translate test results into actionable design insights.
• Ability to work effectively in both lab and field test environments (dockside, at‑sea, and range conditions).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing and walking within the office.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

Benefits

• Medical Insurance:Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Dental and Vision Insurance:Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off:Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave:Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary:Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Retirement Plan:401(k) plan
• Stock Options:Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Life and Disability Insurance:Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Additional Perks:Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCAA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export‑controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.