Principal RF Components Engineer - Space Hardware & Equity

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) match

Relocation support

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer to own RF hardware from design through flight. You will define specifications, select or design components, and rigorously validate readiness for space.

You will work with RF Systems, Flight Software, and Integration teams to ensure robust, flight-ready RF chains and interfaces. The role emphasizes extreme ownership, in-house testing, and a commitment to high reliability while shaping RF architecture for future spacecraft.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF engineering or related field required.
• 10+ years hands-on RF testing with VNAs, spectrum analyzers and related gear.
• Experience designing and integrating RF components into transmit/receive chains.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for RF flight components (radios, amplifiers, antennas, filters).
• Collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to refine specifications and oversee lifecycle.
• Document cross-functional interface requirements with Flight Software, Structures, and I&T teams.
• Own product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments (Thermal, Vibration, EMI).
• Develop test software to automate equipment and measure component performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis on test failures and mitigate flight risks.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF architecture for next-gen vehicles.
• Help define standards and procedures for exemplary RF engineering at Varda.

Skills

RF test equipment

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Power meters

Power supplies

LNAs

Python

PyVISA

Unix

Test automation

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field

Tools

PyVISA

Unix testing environments

Python scripting

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer to own RF hardware from design through flight. You will define specifications, select or design components, and rigorously validate readiness for space.

You will work with RF Systems, Flight Software, and Integration teams to ensure robust, flight-ready RF chains and interfaces. The role emphasizes extreme ownership, in-house testing, and a commitment to high reliability while shaping RF architecture for future spacecraft.