RF Engineer IV/V/VI

Zone5Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 284,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit package

401k with company-match

4 weeks of paid time off

Job summary

Zone5Technologies in San Luis Obispo is seeking an RF Engineer to lead the design and integration of advanced RF and antenna systems. This role involves developing communication architectures for complex environments and collaborating with various engineering teams.

The ideal candidate should have over 7 years of experience in RF systems, a strong educational background, and hands-on experience with relevant tools and protocols. The position offers a competitive compensation package and numerous benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.
• Strong experience with transceivers, front-end design, and antenna integration.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of RF and antenna systems.
• Perform RF analysis and develop RF/data link models.
• Support design, prototyping, and qualification of wireless communication systems.

Skills

RF system design

RF architectures

Electromagnetic environment analysis

TCP/IP and UDP protocols

Troubleshooting RF issues

Programming in MATLAB/Python

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

RF modeling tools (HFSS, CST)

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting‑edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next‑generation flight systems, you belong here.

RF Engineer

Leads the design, analysis, and integration of RF and antenna systems across Zone 5 products. This role is responsible for developing high-performance communication and RF architectures that operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments.

You will work across the full lifecycle—from concept and trade studies through integration, test, and production—partnering closely with Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software, Integration, and Test to deliver robust, scalable RF solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands and technologies.
• Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions through analysis, trade studies, and feasibility assessments.
• Perform RF analysis including link budgets, antenna patterns, RF chain performance, interference/desense, and installed system effects.
• Develop and validate RF/data link models and communication performance simulations.
• Conduct hardware and software trade studies to optimize RF system performance, robustness, and scalability.
• Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems.
• Debug and characterize RF issues including noise sources, interference, and aggressor/victim interactions.
• Integrate RF subsystems with avionics, payloads, and platform constraints to ensure end‑to‑end system performance.
• Develop and maintain internal RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
• Support test activities including lab validation, ground testing, and flight test data analysis.
• Present technical findings in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and leadership discussions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF engineering standards and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.
• Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers, front‑end design, and antenna integration.
• Familiarity with MANET radios (e.g. Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC, or similar).
• Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar).
• Experience performing RF system analysis (interference, system performance).
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, RTSP, and other transmission protocols, with the ability to perform link budget and data throughput analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++, bash) for modeling and data analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in complex RF environments.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and communicate effectively across IPTs.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) or contested electromagnetic environments.
• Familiarity with communication systems, signal processing, and data link design.
• Experience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) and hardware implementation.
• Understanding of antenna theory and real‑world integration constraints.
• Experience designing for manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.
• Experience supporting flight test or deployed RF systems.
• Active or eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance.

Pay Range (San Luis Obispo, CA)

Level IV – $155k – $199k
Level V – $199k – $248k
Level VI – $248k – $284k
Overall range: $155,000 – $284,000 USD

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company‑match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting‑edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E‑Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E‑Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.