RF Systems Architect

CesiumAstro; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock options

Generous health benefits

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

CesiumAstro is looking for an RF Systems Architect in Austin, Texas to lead the development of next-generation ISR RF payloads, focusing on radar systems and RF sensing. This role requires over 15 years of experience in RF engineering and a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. The architect will guide cross-functional teams, define system architecture, and drive technical strategies. Competitive salary and benefits including stock options will be offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in RF engineering, radar systems, or RF sensing technologies.
• Strong technical background in phased array antennas and beamforming techniques.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience or progression into senior/architect-level roles.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead system architecture for advanced ISR RF payloads.
• Drive architectural trade studies across performance, SWaP, scalability, and mission constraints.
• Guide cross-functional teams through architecture definition and prototyping.

Skills

RF engineering

Radar systems

Wideband RF systems

Phased array antennas

Beamforming techniques

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Signal processing

Analytical skills

Technical leadership

Effective communication

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related

Tools

MATLAB

ADS

HFSS

CST

Job description

Citizenship and Security Requirements

To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Company Overview

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross‑functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands‑on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward‑thinking individuals to join our team.

Role Title

RF Systems Architect

Lead the definition and development of next‑generation ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) RF payloads, with emphasis on radar systems, RF sensing, and wideband signal collection.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead system architecture for advanced ISR RF payloads, including radar and RF sensing systems for space and airborne platforms.
• Translate mission objectives into end‑to‑end RF payload architectures, including antenna systems, RF front‑end, digitization, and downstream processing.
• Drive architectural trade studies across performance, SWaP, scalability, and mission constraints.
• Lead concept development for wideband, multi‑beam, and multi‑function RF payloads, including electronically steered arrays and digital beamforming systems.
• Partner with business development to shape technical strategy, support proposals, and secure new program opportunities.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF payload architecture, supporting internal reviews and customer engagements.
• Guide cross‑functional teams through architecture definition, prototyping, and system validation.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging ISR, radar, and RF sensing technologies and incorporate advancements into product roadmaps.
• Mentor engineers and establish best practices in RF system architecture and payload development.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, architectures, and trade‑offs to internal stakeholders and external customers.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• 15+ years of professional experience in RF engineering, radar systems, or RF sensing technologies.
• Demonstrated expertise in RF system design fundamentals, including link budgets, noise analysis, and RF propagation.
• Strong technical background in phased array antennas, beamforming techniques, and wideband RF systems.
• Experience working with RF hardware components such as antennas, LNAs, mixers, ADCs/DACs, and frequency conversion chains.
• Proficiency with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, CST, or similar).
• Solid understanding of radar principles and/or signal processing techniques relevant to RF sensing applications.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or space‑based systems environments.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience or progression into senior/architect‑level roles.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills in complex engineering environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration.

Preferred Experience

• Experience contributing to or leading successful program captures and technical strategy.
• Demonstrated innovation, including patents or novel RF/antenna system developments.
• Experience in fast‑paced, startup, or advanced development environments.

Compensation and Benefits

Full‑time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.