Lead RF Systems Engineer — SWaP-Optimized Aerospace Datalinks

Astra Core-X; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra CoreX, Inc. in Colorado is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to architect, develop, and own the RF communication and sensing systems for next-generation launch vehicles. You will design low-power, SWaP-optimized RF front ends, transceivers, and antennas for compact, high-dynamics platforms.

Collaborating with systems, avionics, and software teams, you will define RF interfaces, perform link budgets, and guide RF components from concept to flight hardware, mentoring junior engineers along the way.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with RF/Microwave focus.
• 8–12+ years of RF system design, implementation, and testing experience in aerospace/defense or equivalent.
• Experience with L‑band, S‑band, and Ka‑band communications.
• Experience delivering low power, SWaP‑constrained RF hardware for flight platforms.
• Hands-on RF datalinks design including link budgets, modulation/coding, and end-to-end performance.
• U.S. citizen eligible for government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and analysis of RF systems across multiple bands.
• Develop low-power, SWaP‑optimized RF front ends, transceivers, and antennas for compact flight platforms.
• Own RF datalinks, link budgets, modulation/coding, and waveform selection.
• Define RF interfaces to flight computers and telemetry systems with precise signal chains and timing.
• Specify, integrate, and characterize RF components (LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, MMICs).
• Lead lab bring-up and verification using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Perform RF modeling and simulations to meet system margins and requirements.
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, and software teams to ensure end-to-end connectivity.
• Support design and integration of sub-compact RADAR and related RF frontend work.
• Prepare technical documentation including RF requirements, block diagrams, and test plans.
• Drive root cause analysis for RF anomalies in lab, ground, and flight tests.
• Support preflight RF readiness and real-time telemetry monitoring during tests.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices for RF design and CM on flight hardware.

Skills

RF/microwave design

Systems integration

RF datalinks

Lab measurement & testing

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (RF/Microwave)

Tools

VNA

Spectrum Analyzer

Signal Generator

Oscilloscope

Power Meter

Job description

Astra CoreX, Inc. in Colorado is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to architect, develop, and own the RF communication and sensing systems for next-generation launch vehicles. You will design low-power, SWaP-optimized RF front ends, transceivers, and antennas for compact, high-dynamics platforms.

Collaborating with systems, avionics, and software teams, you will define RF interfaces, perform link budgets, and guide RF components from concept to flight hardware, mentoring junior engineers along the way.