Senior RF/Communication Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

401(k)

On-site meals

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies in San Francisco is seeking a Senior RF/Communication Systems Engineer to architect, design, and model satellite communication payloads. You will collaborate with RF, Antenna, digital hardware, FPGA, mechanical, and thermal teams to deliver robust radio systems.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering, 7+ years in RF/communications, and strong communication skills. You will lead trade studies, drive new radio features, test hardware, and help grow the team in

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years of RF/communications experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

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.
• Work closely with RF, Antenna, digital hardware, FPGA, mechanical, thermal teams.
• Communications related signal processing algorithm design and test.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly growing team.

Skills

Strong technical communication

Signals and systems

Digital communications

Python

C/C++

Lab testing

RF system design

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Equivalent (experience)

Tools

Signal generator

Signal analyzer

Network analyzer

Oscilloscope

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.

Senior RF/Communication Systems Engineer

As a RF/Communication Systems Engineer at Astranis you will be responsible for the architecture, design, and modeling of our satellites communication payloads. You will work closely with many other teams including but not limited to the antenna, SDR, RF, DSP, and mechanical teams in order to design the best possible radio systems.

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.

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.