RF Test Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision

15+ days of paid vacation

401(k) plan with generous matching

8 weeks paid parental leave

Catered lunch and unlimited snacks

Monthly office socials

Flexible work-life integration

Impactful work opportunities

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. in Los Angeles is seeking a dedicated RF Test Engineer to support the development and validation of spacecraft communication and RF systems. The ideal candidate will have over 4 years of hands-on RF engineering experience, strong RF fundamentals, and proficiency in Python scripting. You will work closely with various teams to execute test plans, validate RF components, and automate testing processes. Join Apex to impact the future of space exploration, backed by substantial funding and a vibrant work community.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on RF test or RF systems engineering experience.
• Experience with RF lab instrumentation and automated testing.
• Familiarity with aerospace or high-reliability hardware environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute RF test plans for spacecraft communication systems.
• Support flatsat and communications rack integration and debugging.
• Characterize and validate RF components including antennas, radios, and GNSS systems.

Skills

RF fundamentals

Python scripting

RF test instrumentation

Troubleshooting integrated systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related technical field

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

Linux OS

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

About the Role

We are seeking an RF Test Engineer to support development, integration, and validation of spacecraft communication and RF systems. This role will focus heavily on flatsat and communications rack testing, RF subsystem characterization, automated test development, and environmental test campaigns. You’ll work closely with RF, avionics, software, and integration teams to validate hardware performance from component-level bring-up through spacecraft-level environmental testing. This is a highly hands-on role requiring strong RF fundamentals, comfort operating advanced lab equipment, and the ability to troubleshoot complex integrated systems in fast-moving development environments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute RF test plans for spacecraft communication systems and RF hardware

• Support flatsat and communications rack integration, bring-up, and debugging

• Characterize and validate RF components including:

  • Antennas

  • Radios and transceivers

  • GNSS systems

  • Power amplifiers (PAs)

  • Low-noise amplifiers (LNAs)

  • Couplers and power dividers

  • RF switches

  • Radar subsystems (nice to have)

• Operate and automate RF test equipment including:

  • Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

  • Spectrum / Vector Signal Analyzers

  • Vector Signal Generators

  • Signal generators

  • Network analyzers

  • USRP and SDR-based systems

• Execute near-field antenna measurements and RF characterization testing

• Support spacecraft environmental test campaigns including:

  • EMI/EMC

  • Vibration

  • Thermal cycling

  • TVAC

• Support RF validation in thermal vacuum environments, including understanding of effects such as corona discharge and multipactor risk

• Develop Python-based automation tools for data collection, test execution, and analysis

• Analyze RF system performance metrics including:

  • SNR

  • BER

  • EVM

  • PLL behavior

  • Insertion loss

  • Scattering parameters (S-parameters)

• Support link budget verification and end-to-end RF system performance analysis

• Troubleshoot RF and digital communication issues across integrated spacecraft systems

• Work within Linux-based test and development environments

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related technical field

• 4+ years of hands-on RF test or RF systems engineering experience

• Experience working with RF lab instrumentation and automated testing

• Familiarity with spacecraft, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware environments

• Experience scripting in Python for automation and analysis

• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals and digital communication systems

• Comfortable working hands-on in lab and integration environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with spacecraft or satellite communications systems

• Familiarity with DVB-S2, OFDM systems, and software-defined radios

• Experience with software-defined ground systems

• Familiarity with digital modulation techniques and RF link analysis

• Experience selecting and characterizing coaxial cables and RF interconnects

• Experience supporting integrated environmental test campaigns

• Understanding of RF behavior in vacuum and high-power environments

• Experience using Linux in development and test environments

Familiarity with phased arrays or advanced antenna systems

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day

• Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

• Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self

• World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.