Sr. RF Electrical Engineer

Astrolab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 169,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible PTO

Home office set-up reimbursement

Weekly lunch stipend

Job summary

Astrolab in Hawthorne, California is seeking an experienced RF Communications Engineer to lead the design of wireless communications systems for planetary rovers. The role includes responsibilities from component selection to testing and integration, working closely with a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience. The position offers comprehensive health benefits, equity ownership, and flexible PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in RF communications system design and component-level engineering.
• Experience with RF test equipment and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Own wireless communications systems from architecture to operations.
• Develop interface and functional specifications in collaboration with engineering.
• Perform end-to-end system testing including vehicle integration.

Skills

RF communications system design

Experience with RF test equipment

Familiarity with digital communications fundamentals

Experience in hardware design for aerospace

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

RF simulation tools like HFSS

Job description

Compensation: $169,000 - $187,000 / year

Department: Avionics

Location: Hawthorne, California

Overview

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi‑purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. The Avionics team is responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems and hardware on Astrolab’s electric rover vehicles and ground support equipment. We work collaboratively with all teams to provide exceptionally capable and reliable electronics to serve our missions.

This position will report to the Director of Avionics Engineering and will be based in our Hawthorne, CA office.

What you’ll do

• Own wireless communications systems and components from architecture to component selection, integration, test, and operations. Systems may be focused on interplanetary and local lunar communication links.
• Develop interface and functional requirements and specifications in collaboration with other engineering disciplines.
• Select, procure, and test RF components to ensure qualification for purpose on Astrolab’s interplanetary systems. Qualification may include environmental testing as needed.
• Perform detailed RF component performance analysis to support end‑to‑end communication system requirements (e.g., EVM, gain/stability, noise figure) in addition to interdisciplinary system design (e.g., power, thermal).
• Implement communication system integration testbeds including ground support equipment.
• Perform end‑to‑end system testing including vehicle integration and ground station systems integration testing.
• Develop test plans and procedures to support execution of test events.
• Support vehicle mission operations to help maintain reliable communication links.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with multi‑disciplinary audiences.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in RF communications system design and component‑level engineering including transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and antennas.
• Familiarity with digital communications fundamentals such as modulation schemes, spread spectrum, forward error correction, etc.
• Experience with RF test equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power meters, etc.
• Familiarity with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, FEKO, etc.
• Experience in hardware design for high reliability aerospace applications.
• Experience or familiarity with environmental testing including thermal chambers and environmental test standards such as SMC‑S‑016.

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best‑in‑class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration.
• Equity ownership in the company.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Flexible PTO and parental leave.
• Home office set‑up reimbursement.
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on site.
• Once a month social hour on site with food and drinks.