Radio Frequency Engineering Manager

Round-Peg Solutions (RPS); Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Impulse Space seeks an RF Software Manager to lead embedded software, FPGA, and simulation engineers focused on spacecraft RF communication and GPS/GNSS receiver systems. You will own architecture, development, integration, and delivery across missions from LEO to deep space, with hands-on involvement as needed.

The role requires strong C++ and HDL experience, leadership, and deep RF/wireless knowledge to guide complex products and collaborate across RF hardware, avionics, and navigation teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience developing software or FPGA firmware for RF, DSP, GPS/GNSS, or related systems.
• At least 2 years of technical leadership, team leadership, or engineering management experience.
• Hands-on experience with C++ software and/or FPGA firmware using Verilog, SystemVerilog, VHDL, or similar HDL.
• Strong knowledge of RF and wireless communication systems including modulation/demodulation, signal processing, calibration, baseband, and RF control.
• Ability to review designs and code, mentor engineers, influence system architecture, and drive complex RF products.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of embedded software, FPGA, and simulation engineers.
• Own architecture, development, integration, verification, and delivery of spacecraft RF software and FPGA firmware.
• Provide technical leadership across spacecraft radios, navigation receivers, wireless systems, and signal-processing technologies.
• Review software architecture, designs, and code while staying hands-on where appropriate.
• Collaborate with RF hardware, avionics, flight software, ground software, and GNC teams during bring-up, integration, and qualification.
• Develop roadmaps, priorities, schedules, testing strategies, and staffing plans for the RF software organization.

Skills

C++ software

Technical leadership

RF/wireless systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Verilog/SystemVerilog

VHDL

FPGA

Job description

Are you an RF, wireless communications, or DSP engineer looking to step into a technical leadership role while remaining close to the engineering?

Do you want to lead the development of spacecraft radios and GPS/GNSS receivers from architecture and design through integration, launch, and mission operations?

If so, this opportunity may be the right next step for you...

Impulse Space is one of the fastest growing companies in the commercial space sector. Founded by Tom Mueller (Former SpaceX CTO), the company is building the transportation infrastructure that powers the next generation of space missions. Its spacecraft and propulsion systems enable satellites, payloads, and spacecraft to move efficiently between orbits after launch, helping solve one of the most significant challenges in the space industry.

As RF Software Manager, you will lead a team of embedded software, FPGA, and simulation engineers responsible for the software and firmware powering Impulse Space's spacecraft communication and GPS/GNSS receiver systems. You will own the development and delivery of these systems across missions ranging from low Earth orbit through to deep-space operations.

As the RF Software Manager your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, managing, mentoring, and growing a team of embedded software, FPGA, and simulation engineers
• Owning the architecture, development, integration, verification, and delivery of spacecraft RF communication and GPS/GNSS receiver software and FPGA firmware
• Providing technical leadership across spacecraft radios, navigation receivers, wireless communication systems, and associated signal-processing technologies
• Reviewing software architecture, designs, C++ code, and FPGA logic while remaining involved in hands-on engineering where appropriate
• Working closely with RF hardware, avionics, flight software, ground software, and GNC teams throughout board bring-up, integration, troubleshooting, and qualification
• Developing technical roadmaps, engineering priorities, schedules, testing strategies, and staffing plans for the RF software organization

As the RF Software Manager you will bring:

• A degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• At least seven years of technical experience developing software or FPGA firmware for RF, DSP, wireless communication, GPS/GNSS, or related systems
• At least two years of technical leadership, team leadership, or engineering management experience
• Hands-on experience developing C++ software and/or FPGA firmware using Verilog, SystemVerilog, VHDL, or similar HDL
• Strong knowledge of RF and wireless communication systems, including areas such as modulation/demodulation, signal processing, calibration, baseband systems, and RF system control
• The technical credibility to review designs and code, mentor engineers, influence system architecture, and drive complex RF products through development and testing

This RF Software Manager position offers a rare opportunity to combine engineering leadership with meaningful hands-on technical influence. You will take ownership of products that communicate with and navigate spacecraft, lead a growing engineering team, and help shape future technologies spanning spacecraft radios, GPS/GNSS receivers, and next-generation communication systems.

For an experienced RF, DSP, wireless, FPGA, or embedded software engineer looking to take greater ownership without stepping away from the technology, this is a unique opportunity.

All successful applicants will be contacted within two working days.