Senior RF/Communication Systems Engineer

Astranis Space Technologies Corp.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package via incentive stock opt

Healthcare subsidy

Disability and life insurance

401(k) retirement planning

Flexible PTO

Free on-site catered meals

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies Corp. is hiring a senior RF system engineer in San Francisco, CA. You will own architectural trade studies, lead R&D for new radio features, and collaborate with multiple design teams to advance satellite communications hardware and software.

The role emphasizes strong fundamentals in signals/digital communications, lab testing with RF gear, and rapid learning to support a fast-paced, growing team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience.
• Strong technical communication skills (oral and written).
• Strong fundamentals in signals and systems and digital communications.
• Familiar with hardware components and their impairments/limitations.
• Comfortable lab work with radio hardware and test equipment (signal generator, analyzer, scope).
• Proven ability to triage and debug issues discovered in testing.
• Comfortable developing software (Python, and some C/C++).
• Fast to learn new tools and workflows.
• RF system design and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Own architectural trade studies and establish system and unit level requirements analytically or via simulation.
• Lead R&D efforts for new radio features/technologies/custom components.
• Collaborate with RF, Antenna, digital hardware, FPGA, mechanical, and thermal teams.
• Design and test communications-related signal processing algorithms.
• Assist in recruiting and expanding the team.

Skills

Signals & systems

Digital communications

Technical communication

Lab testing

Python

C/C++

RF system design

Budgeting

Fast learning

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

C/C++

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe - large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.

With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.

Astranis has raised over $1.2 billion from some of the world's best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Role

• Own architectural trade studies, and establish system and unit level requirements analytically or via simulation
• Lead R&D efforts for new radio features / technologies / custom components
• Work closely with many design teams, including RF, Antenna, digital hardware, FPGA, mechanical, thermal
• Communications related signal processing algorithm design and test
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering or equivalent
• 7+ years of experience
• Strong technical communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong fundamentals in "signals and systems" and digital communications
• Familiar with hardware components and their associated impairments / limitations
• Comfortable working in the lab, testing radio hardware, using signal generator, signal analyzer, network analyzer, oscilloscope, etc
• Proven ability to triage and debug issues discovered in testing
• Comfortable developing software (Python, and some C/C++)
• Fast to learn new tools and workflows
• A passion for working in a fast-paced environment and constantly learning
• RF system design and budgeting
• Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.

Bonus

• Familiarity with satellite radio systems (ground segment and/or space segment
• Radio characterization test planning, automation and execution
• Comfortable with software, especially Python, git, GNU Radio
• Fixed point implementation of signal processing algorithms
• Familiarity with multi-rate signal processing techniques (polyphase filters, resamplers, etc)
• Multi-antenna systems (beamforming, null-steering)
• Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) modem design
• Familiarity with satellite waveforms and modems (DVB-S2/x, DVB-RCS2)

What we offer

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

• Equity package via incentive stock options
• High-quality company-subsidized healthcare
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement planning
• Flexible PTO
• Free on-site catered meals

Base pay is just one component of Astranis's total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$170,000—$280,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.