Lead RF Systems Engineer — Spacecraft Communications

Approach Venture; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Approach Venture in Golden, CO is seeking an RF Systems Engineer to own the wireless architecture for autonomous spacecraft assembly. This hands-on role covers RF communications, antennas, embedded software, and link performance, from design to flight qualification.

You will work with flight software, avionics, and hardware teams, perform RF testing with VNAs, develop link budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance. Competitive compensation includes equity options.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Strong RF, wireless communications, or antenna background
• Antenna fundamentals: impedance matching, VSWR, patterns, polarization
• Hands-on RF testing with a VNA
• RF link budgets and validating against measurements
• Wireless PHY/MAC knowledge (e.g., 802.11)
• Embedded Linux experience
• Ability to own a multidisciplinary RF subsystem in a fast-moving environment
• Eligible to work with export-controlled spacecraft technology

Responsibilities

• Own the spacecraft RF and wireless communications architecture from design through qualification and flight
• Develop vehicle-to-vehicle and space-to-ground links, with link budgets and performance requirements
• Lead antenna selection, trade studies, development, integration, tuning, and testing
• Perform hands-on RF testing using VNAs and lab equipment
• Coordinate chamber testing and evaluate radiation patterns, polarization, and installation effects
• Calibrate radio hardware across embedded Linux systems and maintain firmware data
• Develop wireless networking between multiple spacecraft and dynamic routing across links
• Improve network throughput, latency, and reliability in multi-node environments
• Support environmental qualification including thermal vacuum, vibration, and radiation testing
• Define RF spectrum and regulatory configurations for orbital operation

Skills

RF Engineering

Antenna Design

VNA

Embedded Linux

RF Link Budgets

Wireless Communications

Export Compliance

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vector Network Analyzer

Job description

Approach Venture in Golden, CO is seeking an RF Systems Engineer to own the wireless architecture for autonomous spacecraft assembly. This hands-on role covers RF communications, antennas, embedded software, and link performance, from design to flight qualification.

You will work with flight software, avionics, and hardware teams, perform RF testing with VNAs, develop link budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance. Competitive compensation includes equity options.