Principal RF Components Engineer — Spaceflight Hardware

Telemetry Today LLC; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 219,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation support

Stock options

Parental leave

Wellness reimbursement

401(k) match

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer in El Segundo, CA.

You will own the complete lifecycle of RF components, validate hardware before flight, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure robust space-grade connectivity between satellites and ground stations. The role requires deep RF engineering expertise, hands-on testing with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and environmental tests, plus Python proficiency and Unix familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years hands-on RF test hardware experience.
• Experience with RF components: LNAs, PA, mixers, filters, synthesizers.
• Experience designing RF components into transmit/receive chains.
• Proven ownership of projects.
• Python proficiency; PyVISA familiarity.
• Experience with HITL testbeds and Unix environments.
• Experience environmental test equipment (vibration, TVAC, thermal).
• Strong project management and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for RF flight components (radios, PA, antennas, filters).
• Collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to refine specs and oversee lifecycle.
• Document cross-functional interface requirements for flight hardware deployment.
• Own product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments.
• Develop test software to automate equipment and measure component performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis on test failures and implement mitigations.
• Mentor junior engineers on projects and design methods.
• Contribute to RF architecture and upgrades for next-gen vehicles.
• Help define standards and processes for RF engineering.

Skills

RF engineering

Python

Unix

RF testing

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Function generators

Power meters

Power supplies

Job description

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer in El Segundo, CA.

You will own the complete lifecycle of RF components, validate hardware before flight, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure robust space-grade connectivity between satellites and ground stations. The role requires deep RF engineering expertise, hands-on testing with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and environmental tests, plus Python proficiency and Unix familiarity.