RF Systems Architect

CesiumAstro; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 218,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Benefits package

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking an RF Systems Architect to lead end-to-end RF payload architectures for ISR applications on space and airborne platforms. You will drive system-level design from antenna to signal processing, shaping architectures that meet mission constraints.

The role requires 15+ years in RF engineering, expertise in phased arrays and wideband systems, and leadership to mentor teams and guide cross-functional efforts within a dynamic, frontier tech environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 15+ years of RF engineering experience.
• Expertise in RF system design, link budgets, and noise analysis.
• Strong background in phased array antennas and beamforming.
• Experience with RF hardware components (antennas, LNAs, mixers, ADCs/DACs).
• Proficiency with RF/EM simulation tools (MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, CST).
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or space environments.
• Technical leadership at senior/architect level.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

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 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.

Skills

RF engineering

Radar systems

Beamforming

System architecture

Technical leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

ADS

HFSS

CST

Job description

_ Please Note: 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._

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.

CesiumAstro is seekingan RFSystems Architect to 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.

This role is highly strategic and technical, focused on end-to-end RF payload architecture—from antenna and front-end design through system-level performance, signal processing considerations, and mission integration. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep experience in phased array systems, wideband RF architectures, and space-based sensing payloads.

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.

$218,000 - $266,000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

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