Senior RF Components Engineer, Spaceflight Systems

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 219,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer to own RF hardware from specification through validation, ensuring readiness for flight and space environments.

You will collaborate with RF Systems, Flight Software, Structures, and Integration & Test teams to document interfaces and drive testing standards, shaping RF architecture for future vehicles.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years hands-on RF test equipment experience (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, generators, meters, supplies).
• Familiarity with LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators/synthesizers, attenuators, switches.
• Experience designing and integrating RF components into complete signal chains.
• Proficiency with Python; familiarity with PyVISA for test equipment control.
• Strong ownership mindset across projects; results driven.
• Experience HITL testbeds, configuration control, and system-level testing.
• Familiarity with Unix environments.
• Experience developing test cases and equipment for vehicle operating conditions.
• Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration, TVAC, thermal).
• Strong project/program management skills; collaborative mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, growth-focused team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for RF flight components (radios, PA, antennas, filters).
• Collaborate with RF Systems to refine specs and oversee component lifecycle.
• Document cross-functional interface requirements with Flight Software, Structures, and IT.
• Own product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments (thermal, vibration, EMI).
• Develop test software to automate equipment and measure performance for readiness.
• Perform root cause analysis on test failures and implement mitigations.
• Mentor junior engineers on projects and design methodologies.
• Contribute to RF architecture and system design for next-generation vehicles.
• Help define standards and procedures to enable exemplary RF engineering.

Skills

RF testing

RF components

RF design

Python

Test automation

HITL testing

Unix

Test case development

Environmental testing

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Function generators

Power meters

Power supplies

Test software (PyVISA)

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal RF Components Engineer to own RF hardware from specification through validation, ensuring readiness for flight and space environments.

You will collaborate with RF Systems, Flight Software, Structures, and Integration & Test teams to document interfaces and drive testing standards, shaping RF architecture for future vehicles.