Principal RF Engineer

Lunar Outpost European Union; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

3 weeks PTO

401(k) with matching

11 holidays

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Lunar Outpost Inc. is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to lead the design and integration of high‑performance RF subsystems for space robotics programs. You will act as the RF SME, guide test campaigns, and shape hardware and verification strategies for Ka-, S-, and X-band systems.

The role demands deep RF architecture knowledge, hands‑on testing, and strong technical leadership in a fast‑growing startup environment, with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and NASA stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• 12+ years of RF engineering experience.
• Experience with space, satellite, or planetary rover RF systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as RF subject matter expert, lead design reviews, and provide technical leadership.
• Perform electromagnetic simulation and analysis of RF systems for space applications.
• Design, develop, and integrate RF subsystems for Ka-, S-, and X-band.
• Conduct RF trade studies using modeling and simulation to inform design decisions.
• Build, integrate, and test RF hardware, antennas, and payload comms subsystems.
• Develop detailed RF and antenna test plans and simulations.
• Create link budgets for space-to-Earth communications.
• Model antenna co-site and interference relationships.
• Use industry tools to model and validate RF performance.
• Write technical documentation, white papers, and test reports.

Skills

RF system design

EM simulation

RF testing

Technical leadership

Documentation

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ansys HFSS

Ansys EMIT

STK

Python

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Principal RF Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company’s RF subject-matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and provide technical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the company’s subject matter expert for RF systems, provide technical leadership, peer mentoring, lead design reviews, and provide strategic guidance
• Perform electromagnetic simulation and analysis of RF systems for satellite and rover applications
• Design, develop, and integrate RF subsystems to meet stringent mission, performance, and regulatory requirements with an emphasis on Ka-band, S-band, and X-band
• Conduct RF trade studies using modeling and simulation to inform design decisions
• Build, integrate, and test RF hardware, including antennas and payload communications subsystems
• Develop and execute detailed RF and antenna test plans and simulations (VSWR, gain, radiation patterns, etc.)
• Build and analyze link budgets for space‑to‑Earth communications
• Model and analyze antenna co‑site and interference relationships
• Use industry‑standard tools to model and validate RF performance
• Author highly technical documentation, white papers, and test reports describing RF designs, analyses, and results
• Partner with RF team and program leadership to ensure technical performance, timeline adherence, and program execution

Required Qualifications

• Deep understanding of RF systems with the ability to design, analyze, and test complex RF architectures
• Proven hands‑on experience in architecting RF systems and test equipment racks
• Demonstrated ability to define, execute, and document RF tests against requirements
• Experience developing detailed test plans, managing schedules, and coordinating resources in cost‑and regulation‑constrained environments
• Expert with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and power meters
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant RF engineering experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, detailed technical documentation
• Highly organized, self‑motivated, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Doctorate in Electrical Engineering
• Existing relationship with NASA SC a N office and other key NASA stakeholders
• Experience developing, testing and certifying space, satellite, or planetary rover RF systems
• Experience working across multidisciplinary vehicle engineering teams
• Expert knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards for space communications
• Expert knowledge of MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-461
• Expert with RF modeling and analysis tools, including:
  • Ansys HFSS
  • Ansys EMIT
  • STK
  • Python

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.