Lead RF Engineer

Zoomcar; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoomcar is seeking a Lead RF Engineer in Burlingame, California, to design and implement next-generation RF systems for our GNSS technology. The ideal candidate possesses significant experience in RF engineering, is familiar with testing and optimizing RF communications, and has a strong background in circuit design.

The role requires effective collaboration with various teams, solving complex problems, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Join us in delivering high-accuracy and high-precision services worldwide.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of RF engineering experience preferred.
• Experience leading projects or small teams is a bonus.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize RF systems for GNSS technology.
• Perform testing and validation of RF broadcast systems.
• Travel to support off-site testing as necessary.

Skills

Understanding of electromagnetic principles

PCBA schematics interpretation

Hands-on experience with RF test equipment

Knowledge of performance metrics for RF systems

Antenna design and/or testing experience

RF amplifier and circuit tuning

RF Design experience in L-Band, S-Band, and C Band

Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools

Ability to analyze RF test data

Excellent problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium

Keysight ADS

AWR Microwave Office

Ansys HFSS

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

As a Lead RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF systems to enable our next‑generation GNSS system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground monitoring systems, your work will ensure the end‑to‑end RF broadcast system delivers Xona’s high‑accuracy and high‑precision PNT service.

Required Qualifications

• Understanding of electromagnetic principles behind radio frequency communications.
• Ability to interpret PCBA schematics and layout drawings. Familiarity with PCB ECAD tools such as Altium.
• Hands‑on experience using electrical/RF test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
• Knowledge of typical performance metrics for RF communications systems.
• Hands‑on experience/coursework with antenna design and/or testing. Familiarity with 3D EM simulations tools such as Ansys HFSS.
• RF amplifier and circuits tuning.
• RF Design experience in L‑Band, S‑Band and C Band.
• Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools, such as Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test set‑ups and calibrations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret RF test data, and assess performance vs. design requirements.
• Willing and able to travel to support off‑site testing events as needed.
• Self‑starter attitude and proactive in seeing projects from design through implementation.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, cross‑team collaborative environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to achieve project goals.
• To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of RF engineering experience.
• Experience leading a project development schedule from concept to delivered product.
• Experience leading direct reports and/or small teams.
• Experience with space RF electronics, with an understanding of phenomena such as multipaction.
• Knowledge/experience with GNSS systems.
• Proven RF PCB and/or antenna designs from past work.
• Implementation of passive or active RF sub‑systems whether on the bench or on PCBs.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.