Principal Electrical Engineer, Radio Frequency (RF)

True Anomaly; Long Beach, Denver (CA, CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading aerospace and engineering firm is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer specializing in RF communications in Long Beach, CA. The role involves shaping technical strategies, mentoring senior engineers, and architecting innovative multi-mission RF systems. A minimum of 14 years of RF engineering experience, particularly in spacecraft communication systems, is required. Candidates will benefit from competitive equity, health benefits, and PTO. The position requires strong leadership qualities and the ability to influence at the executive level.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of experience in RF engineering, especially with spacecraft communication.
• Strong ability to influence technical strategy at an executive level.
• Expertise in architecting and delivering multi-mission RF communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect multi-mission RF systems and ensure performance robustness.
• Define mission communication architectures and oversee RF verification.
• Grow and mentor senior RF engineering talent within the organization.

Skills

RF system architecture

Communication systems analysis

Mentorship and leadership

Compliance with regulatory standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD in related field

Job description

Principal Electrical Engineer, Radio Frequency (RF)

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together

YOUR MISSION

As a Principal RF Electrical Engineer at True Anomaly, you will set the functional RF architecture strategy for the company and be accountable for enterprise‑wide technical decisions across all spacecraft communication systems. You will shape the long‑term technical direction of the RF discipline, influence company leadership, grow senior engineering talent, and represent True Anomaly's capabilities externally to customers, partners, and the broader aerospace community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Architect multi‑mission RF systems across S/X/Ka‑Band and other frequency regimes; ensure end‑to‑end link margin and performance robustness across the enterprise
• Define mission communication architectures; validate end‑to‑end RF system performance at program and enterprise levels
• Oversee mission‑level RF verification and payload qualification across multiple concurrent programs
• Define corporate EMI/EMC strategy; engage with regulatory bodies and spectrum authorities on behalf of True Anomaly
• Set the long‑term communication system strategy and link design philosophy across all programs
• Shape company RF technical narratives; influence executives and senior leadership on strategic technical pursuits
• Grow and shape the senior RF engineering talent pipeline; mentor staff and senior engineers into leadership roles
• Drive transformative solutions that establish new RF capabilities at the company level
• Define enterprise delivery standards and drive consistent outcomes across the RF organization
• Serve as an external representative for True Anomaly's RF capabilities at industry forums, with customers, and with partners
• Embody and scale True Anomaly's engineering values company‑wide; set the cultural and technical tone for the RF discipline

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master's or PhD strongly preferred)
• 14+ years of progressive RF engineering experience, including significant experience in spacecraft or space‑borne communication systems
• Demonstrated track record of architecting and delivering multi‑mission, multi‑band RF communication systems in space or missile defense applications
• Deep expertise across the full RF engineering stack: component expertise, subsystem architecture, link analysis, EMI/EMC, test and qualification
• Experience engaging with regulatory bodies, spectrum authorities, or standards organizations
• Proven ability to influence at the executive level and drive enterprise‑wide technical strategy
• Strong track record of growing and developing senior engineering talent

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with classified space communication systems and NSA Type 1 encryption
• Expertise in satellite communication link optimization and technology trades
• Awareness of key technology progression across the industry as it pertains to forward‑looking implementation and strategy
• Experience with regulatory filing committees and ITU/FCC spectrum coordination processes
• Publications, patents, or conference presentations in RF/microwave engineering or space communications
• Experience in a high‑growth aerospace startup environment
• Record of external industry influence through panels, working groups, or advisory roles

COMPENSATION

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401(k), Parental Leave

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location — Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach locations.
• Work environment — Physical and environmental conditions typical of an office setting.
• Physical demands — Typical office work; occasional lifting.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please let us know.