RF Payloads Engineer – Lead

Astra Core-X; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra CoreX, Inc. in Colorado is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to architect, develop, and own the RF communication and sensing systems for next-generation launch vehicles. You will design low-power, SWaP-optimized RF front ends, transceivers, and antennas for compact, high-dynamics platforms.

Collaborating with systems, avionics, and software teams, you will define RF interfaces, perform link budgets, and guide RF components from concept to flight hardware, mentoring junior engineers along the way.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with RF/Microwave focus.
• 8–12+ years of RF system design, implementation, and testing experience in aerospace/defense or equivalent.
• Experience with L‑band, S‑band, and Ka‑band communications.
• Experience delivering low power, SWaP‑constrained RF hardware for flight platforms.
• Hands-on RF datalinks design including link budgets, modulation/coding, and end-to-end performance.
• U.S. citizen eligible for government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and analysis of RF systems across multiple bands.
• Develop low-power, SWaP‑optimized RF front ends, transceivers, and antennas for compact flight platforms.
• Own RF datalinks, link budgets, modulation/coding, and waveform selection.
• Define RF interfaces to flight computers and telemetry systems with precise signal chains and timing.
• Specify, integrate, and characterize RF components (LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, MMICs).
• Lead lab bring-up and verification using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Perform RF modeling and simulations to meet system margins and requirements.
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, and software teams to ensure end-to-end connectivity.
• Support design and integration of sub-compact RADAR and related RF frontend work.
• Prepare technical documentation including RF requirements, block diagrams, and test plans.
• Drive root cause analysis for RF anomalies in lab, ground, and flight tests.
• Support preflight RF readiness and real-time telemetry monitoring during tests.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices for RF design and CM on flight hardware.

Skills

RF/microwave design

Systems integration

RF datalinks

Lab measurement & testing

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (RF/Microwave)

Tools

VNA

Spectrum Analyzer

Signal Generator

Oscilloscope

Power Meter

Job description

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Role

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to architect, develop, and own the RF communication and sensing systems for next‑generation launch vehicles. You will be responsible for end‑to‑end RF system design across communication channels (e.g., L‑band, S‑band), with a strong emphasis on low‑power, SWaP‑optimized hardware suitable for high‑performance flight vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and analysis of RF systems (e.g., L-band, S-band) across for missile interceptor communication, telemetry, and sensing.
• Design and develop low power, SWaP optimized RF front ends, transceivers, and antennas suitable for compact, high dynamics flight platforms.
• Own the design and performance of RF datalinks, including link budgets, modulation/coding schemes, waveform selection, and robustness in contested and dynamic environments.
• Define and implement RF interfaces to flight computers and telemetry systems, including signal chains, data paths, timing, and control interfaces.
• Specify, integrate, and characterize RF components and modules, including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and MMIC devices.
• Lead lab based bring up and verification of RF boards and subsystems using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Perform RF modeling, simulation, and analysis (e.g., link analysis, interference studies, RF chain budgets) to ensure compliance with system requirements and margins.
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, and software teams to ensure cohesive end‑to‑end communication architectures, including command, control, and telemetry paths.
• Support the design and integration of sub compact RADAR systems as applicable, including RF frontend, waveform considerations, and interfaces to signal processing.
• Generate and review technical documentation, including RF requirements, block diagrams, schematics, layout constraints, ICDs, and test plans.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for RF anomalies observed in lab, ground test, and flight test.
• Support integration, ground test, and flight test campaigns, including preflight RF readiness, real time telemetry monitoring, and post flight RF performance analysis.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level RF engineers, establishing best practices for RF design, test, and configuration management on flight hardware.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or another relevant field.
• 8–12+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing RF systems for aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applications.
• Demonstrated experience with RF design and analysis in L band, S band, and Ka band communication channels.
• Proven experience developing low power, SWaP constrained RF hardware for compact or airborne/spaceborne platforms.
• Hands‑on experience with RF datalinks, including link budgets, modulation/coding, and end‑to‑end system performance.
• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interfacing RF systems with flight computers and telemetry, including hardware and data interfaces and timing/synchronization considerations.
• Strong proficiency using RF lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, oscilloscopes) and RF measurement techniques.
• Solid understanding of RF fundamentals: impedance matching, filtering, noise figure, linearity, dynamic range, phase noise, and EMC/EMI considerations.
• Experience taking RF designs from concept through schematic, layout guidance, build, bring up, and validation on real hardware.
• Ability to lead complex technical efforts, work cross functionally, and make sound tradeoffs under performance, SWaP, and schedule constraints.

Salary Range

• $150k-$220k

ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.