Lead Engineer, RF & Electrical —Antenna Systems

Espace; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness care options

Continuous learning and development

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Espace is looking for a Lead Engineer in Saratoga, California to manage RF and electrical design of antennas. This hands-on role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team and ensuring high-performance in RF design and testing.

The position requires a degree in electrical engineering and extensive experience with antenna/RF systems, particularly phased arrays. The salary ranges from $180,000 to $220,000 annually, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Lead or Staff level experience in antenna/RF engineering with phased array systems.
• Experience demonstrating RF test leadership, including characterization and acceptance processes.
• Expertise in wideband VHF/UHF antennas and flight hardware integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team in antenna/RF design and testing.
• Oversee radiating-element RF design considering geometry and impedance.
• Direct RF test functions including characterization and test planning.

Skills

RF design

Antenna engineering

Cross-functional team leadership

RF test planning

Education

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering

Tools

Breadboard RF systems

Thermal-vacuum systems

Job description

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.

We are looking for a Lead Engineer to own the RF and electrical hardware of the antenna — from the radiating elements through the array and the element‑level electronics — and to lead the team that designs, builds, and tests it. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role for someone who wants both deep RF/antenna ownership and the opportunity to grow a high‑performing team.

On‑site in California or Texas. Some travel between sites may be required.

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team of antenna/RF design and RF test engineers and technicians.
• Own radiating-element RF design — element geometry, impedance and match, polarization, and bandwidth across a wide operating band.
• Own array layout and dimensioning, and array‑level RF performance — gain, pattern, and sensitivity to surface accuracy.
• Own the element‑level electrical and electronics design that drives each radiating element.
• Direct the RF test function — element, array, and module characterization; test planning; and acceptance criteria.
• Hold the subsystem's RF and electrical requirements, budgets, and verification, and close them through analysis and test.
• Partner with adjacent communications, avionics, mechanical/structures, and integration & test teams across the program.
• Support environmental and deployment testing of the integrated antenna.

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
• Lead‑ or Staff‑level antenna/RF engineer with phased‑array hardware experience (element and array design).
• Experience with RF front‑end or module‑level electronics.
• Demonstrated RF test leadership — characterization, test planning, and acceptance.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Wideband VHF/UHF antenna experience (spiral or comparable broadband elements).
• Space or flight RF hardware experience, including environmental qualification (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, radiation, EMC).
• Experience with space structures.
• Experience supporting integration and test of flight hardware.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $180,000 - $220,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in‑orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow‑ed.

E‑Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

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.

• 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