Principal RF Components Engineer

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 219,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer to own RF hardware from specification through validation, ensuring readiness for flight and space environments.

You will collaborate with RF Systems, Flight Software, Structures, and Integration & Test teams to document interfaces and drive testing standards, shaping RF architecture for future vehicles.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years hands-on RF test equipment experience (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, generators, meters, supplies).
• Familiarity with LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators/synthesizers, attenuators, switches.
• Experience designing and integrating RF components into complete signal chains.
• Proficiency with Python; familiarity with PyVISA for test equipment control.
• Strong ownership mindset across projects; results driven.
• Experience HITL testbeds, configuration control, and system-level testing.
• Familiarity with Unix environments.
• Experience developing test cases and equipment for vehicle operating conditions.
• Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration, TVAC, thermal).
• Strong project/program management skills; collaborative mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, growth-focused team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for RF flight components (radios, PA, antennas, filters).
• Collaborate with RF Systems to refine specs and oversee component lifecycle.
• Document cross-functional interface requirements with Flight Software, Structures, and IT.
• Own product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments (thermal, vibration, EMI).
• Develop test software to automate equipment and measure performance for readiness.
• Perform root cause analysis on test failures and implement mitigations.
• Mentor junior engineers on projects and design methodologies.
• Contribute to RF architecture and system design for next-generation vehicles.
• Help define standards and procedures to enable exemplary RF engineering.

Skills

RF testing

RF components

RF design

Python

Test automation

HITL testing

Unix

Test case development

Environmental testing

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Function generators

Power meters

Power supplies

Test software (PyVISA)

Job description

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

As a Principal RF Components Engineer at Varda, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless connectivity between our satellite vehicles and ground stations. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of each RF component, collaborating closely with RF Systems Engineers to define component specifications and to either select or design the necessary hardware. Your work will be crucial in rigorously validating components before their deployment to space. This role requires a strong sense of ownership over your hardware, continually setting new standards for testing RF components before flight.

Some people say that you only have one chance to fly to space so you must be certain it will work. At Varda, we believe that the trip to space and back is the easiest trip our hardware takes. We stress our components above and beyond the levels it should expect to see in flight and we investigate our failures thoroughly. Come join our team and build quality electronics that you will get to see fly over and over again.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for RF flight components, including radios, power amplifiers, antennas and filters.
• Collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to refine product specifications, select or design appropriate components, and oversee the entire product lifecycle.
• Work closely with Flight Software, Structures, and Integration & Test teams to document cross-functional interface requirements for a successful deployment of hardware onto the flight vehicle.
• Take ultimate ownership of product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments, including Thermal, Vibration, Shock, TVAC, and EMI.
• Develop test software to automate equipment, stimulate, and measure component performance, ensuring consistent flight hardware readiness.
• Conduct root cause analysis on test failures and implement comprehensive mitigation strategies for flight risks.
• Mentor junior engineers on projects, challenges, and design methodologies to establish a high bar for the future leaders of Varda.
• Contribute to RF architecture and system design for next-generation vehicles and hardware block upgrades to existing vehicles.
• Help define standards, processes and procedures to enable exemplary RF engineering at Varda.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, power meters and power supplies.
• Familiarity with RF components including LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators/synthesizers, attenuators, and switches.
• Experience designing and integrating RF components into complete transmit or receive signal chains.
• Proven track record of extreme ownership over projects, leading them to successful completion.
• Proficiency with Python, familiarity with test software libraries like PyVISA for communication with test equipment.
• Demonstrated curiosity and commitment to exploring foundational concepts and pursuing detailed insights with diligence.
• Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving and operating system-level tests.
• Familiarity with Unix environments.
• Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
• Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers).
• Strong project or program management skills.
• Thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on. Be prepared for exposure to diverse tasks and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Pay Range

• Salary range: $219,161 - $280,040/per year
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.