Senior RF Engineer

sierraspace; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to design, develop, and test advanced RF systems for space-based applications, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and optics.

You will own discrete technical packages, mentor junior engineers, and ensure rigorous documentation and traceability across development, qualification, integration, and testing stages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in RF Engineering or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Own discrete technical packages and drive them to successful execution and delivery.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation for traceability and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure RF systems integrate into larger platforms.

Skills

RE leadership

RF system design

Link budgets

RF/optical integration

Mentoring engineers

V&V principles

Trade studies

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in RF Engineering or related field

Master's degree +6 years experience

Tools

HFSS

CST

RF measurement equipment

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Senior RF Engineer designs, develops, and tests advanced RF systems and components for space-based applications, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and optics.

This role requires specialized expertise in microwave and optical engineering, advanced knowledge of electrical and avionics systems architectures, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems. You will conduct performance testing and validation of optical systems (e.g., optical power amplifiers and splitters), using advanced electrical design tools and methodologies to complete complex design tasks. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will help ensure project success and the seamless integration of RF systems into larger platforms.

As a Responsible Engineer (RE), you will own discrete technical packages and drive them to successful execution and delivery. You will mentor and guide less experienced engineers, fostering a collaborative, learning-focused environment, and prepare and maintain technical documentation to ensure traceability and compliance with industry standards. You will also stay current with emerging RF technologies and industry trends, applying that knowledge to drive innovation and enhance system performance across ongoing projects.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission.

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in RF Engineering or a related engineering discipline and 8+ years of relevant experience. Or, a Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE), driving hardware through its full lifecycle - development, qualification, integration & test, verification & validation, and certification
• Experience developing RF space communications link budgets and coverage analysis
• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards, such as CCSDS, DVB-S2X, MIL-STD-461G, and GSFC-STD-7000
• Advanced knowledge of optical, electrical, and avionics systems architectures and their design
• Ability to mentor and guide less experienced engineers
• Ability to work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large engineering teams
• Knowledge of requirements management, including functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation
• Knowledge of systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and verification and validation (V&V) principles
• Experience performing trade studies to support communication subsystem architecture decisions
• An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance with eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as an Optical System Responsible Engineer (RE), driving hardware through its full lifecycle - development, qualification, integration & test, verification & validation, and certification
• Experience with communications hardware component procurement, including S-band transponders and antennas commonly used in space applications
• Experience developing RF space communications link budgets and coverage analysis
• Experience handling COMSEC equipment and knowledge of COMSEC requirements
• Extensive proficiency with RF design and simulation tools such as HFSS or CST, and significant experience with RF measurement equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
• Deep understanding of RF system performance parameters such as gain, noise figure, and linearity
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Experience with advanced RF technologies and their applications in space-based systems
• Proven track record of managing complex technical projects and delivering successful outcomes
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance with SCI eligibility

Compensation

Pay Range:$1