Lead RF Hardware Design Engineer - Space Systems

EVONA; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Relocation support

Job summary

EVONA in San Francisco is seeking a Lead RF Hardware Design Engineer for Space Systems to own the RF payload architecture, design, build and test for a satellite platform.

The role starts as a sole contributor and rapidly scales into a team lead as the RF group grows; equity up to $5m is part of the package, with relocation support and strong benefits. On-site in SF; US citizen/green card required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience designing RF systems, microwave, antenna, radars.
• Ownership of RF hardware from architecture/design through build and test.
• Strong understanding of receiver and RF front-end design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design & development of the RF payload for the satellite platform.
• Own RF hardware architecture through build and test; provide hands-on leadership.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver on-time, robust RF systems.

Skills

RF systems

RF design

Front-end design

phased arrays

PCB design

RF testing

Technical leadership

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Signal generators

Job description

Lead RF Hardware Design Engineer - Space Systems

San Francisco, CA | $150k–$185k + Up to $5m in equity

Evona are partnered with one of the fastest growing Space start-ups in the US. They've proven their core technology, patented it and are now moving from concept to scale looking to build and launch their first constellation.

They're a core team of around 25 engineers but likely to 3x in size in the next 12 months as they grow. This role is to lead the design & development of the critical RF system for their satellite platform. It will start out as a sole contributor leading the entire RF payload design and then quickly grow into a team lead or manager role as you hire an RF team underneath you.

The kicker ..... Up to $5m in equity!

Not just another role in a prime. This is genuine technical ownership, leadership & potentially life changing equity. Their $10m Seed round was oversubscribed & they plan to raise a very substantial series A by the end of 2026. The target is a $10b IPO in the next 5 years which would pay off $5m in equity to this engineer.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience designing RF systems, microwave, antenna, radars
• Proven ownership of RF hardware from architecture/design through build and test
• Strong understanding of receiver and RF front‑end design
• Experience with phased arrays, beamforming, electronically steered antennas, radar, EW or passive RF sensing
• Schematic capture and multilayer PCB design/layout experience
• Strong laboratory experience with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes and related RF test equipment
• Ability to work across disciplines and provide hands‑on technical leadership

Package: $150,000–$185,000 base + up to $5m in equity, strong benefits, 401(k) match and relocation support (if applicable).

This position is on‑site in San Francisco.

Applicants must be authorized US persons either Citizen or Green Card Holder, visa sponsorship is not currently available.