Lead RF Engineer for GNSS & Space Systems

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space seeks a Lead RF Engineer in Burlingame, CA to design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for its GNSS-focused space infrastructure. You will work on spacecraft payload electronics and ground monitoring, pushing end-to-end RF performance for high-precision PNT services.

Ideal candidates have hands-on RF testing experience, PCB/antenna design skills, and familiarity with HFSS, ADS, and Microwave Office. Travel for testing events may be required.

Qualifications

• Understanding of electromagnetic principles behind radio frequency communications.
• Ability to interpret PCBA schematics and layout drawings using PCB ECAD tools such as Altium.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers.
• Knowledge of typical performance metrics for RF communications systems.
• Hands-on experience with antenna design/testing and 3D EM simulations (Ansys HFSS).
• RF amplifier and circuits tuning.
• RF Design experience in L-Band, S-Band and C Band.
• Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools (Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office).
• Hands-on experience with RF test setups and calibrations.
• Ability to analyze RF test data and compare with design requirements.
• Willing to travel for off-site testing events.
• Self-starter with cross-team collaboration and strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Compliance with US government space export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for the next-generation GNSS platform.
• Lead RF engineering efforts from concept through implementation and integration.
• Collaborate with spacecraft, ground systems, and external partners to meet performance targets.
• Support off-site testing events and field demonstrations.
• Analyze RF test data to verify against design requirements.

Skills

Altium

RF test equipment

3D EM simulation

L-Band design

S-Band design

C-Band design

RF circuit simulation tools

Ansys HFSS

AWR Microwave Office

Tools

Altium

PCB ECAD tools

Keysight ADS

AWR Microwave Office

Job description

Xona Space seeks a Lead RF Engineer in Burlingame, CA to design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for its GNSS-focused space infrastructure. You will work on spacecraft payload electronics and ground monitoring, pushing end-to-end RF performance for high-precision PNT services.

Ideal candidates have hands-on RF testing experience, PCB/antenna design skills, and familiarity with HFSS, ADS, and Microwave Office. Travel for testing events may be required.