Senior RF Systems Engineer - Ground Systems

AnySignal; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AnySignal, based in Los Angeles, is looking for a Senior RF Systems Engineer to enhance ground terminal hardware performance across various frequency bands for commercial, civil, and defense communications. You will own end-to-end RF performance, troubleshoot complex systems, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams of engineers.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in RF systems design, strong command of RF metrics, and proficiency with relevant bench instrumentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing and deploying RF systems or communication links.
• Strong command of system-level RF metrics and proficiency with RF instruments.
• Experience managing a component BOM from specification to procurement.

Responsibilities

• Define top-level RF system requirements for ground terminals.
• Own end-to-end terminal RF performance through characterization and analysis.
• Troubleshoot RF system issues across the full receive and transmit chain.

Skills

RF system design

Communication links

RF metrics (G/T, EIRP, noise figure)

RF bench instrumentation

MATLAB or Python

Job description

Company

AnySignal is developing the next generation of RF products and services for some of the most demanding space and defense missions. We’re building a flexible, high-performance platform that’s easy to deploy, monitor, and scale — enabling customers to bring advanced radio technologies to life faster than ever before.

About the Role

As a Senior RF Systems Engineer focused on Ground Systems, you will own the end-to-end RF performance of AnySignal's ground terminal hardware across frequency bands used for commercial, civil, and defense communications systems. This role involves end-to-end ownership as well as nitty‑gritty design. You're the person who figures out why the link isn't closing, what's eating the noise figure, and how to squeeze every dB out of the system. You'll define field‑deployable terminals, drive component selection and BOMs, integrate modem hardware, and build the test procedures that make our systems reliable no matter where they're deployed. You'll work across a tight‑knit team of electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing engineers to deliver ground hardware that performs across a range of bands and mission profiles.

Responsibilities

• Define top-level RF system requirements for ground terminals, setting specifications for antenna interfaces, frequency conversion chains, RF front ends, and signal processing

• Own end-to-end terminal RF performance — G/T, noise temperature, EIRP, link margin, and noise figure — through characterization, cascade modeling, and link budget analysis across LEO, MEO, GEO, and defense mission scenarios

• Define, select, and manage RF front‑end component BOMs — LNAs, SSPAs, feeds, diplexers, cables, connectors, and waveguide hardware — from specification through procurement

• Troubleshoot RF system issues across the full receive and transmit chain, from antenna feed to modem, and drive integration and validation of modem hardware and waveform performance

• Work with antenna and mechanical teams to ensure pointing accuracy, feed alignment, and aperture performance meet system requirements

• Plan and execute RF system acceptance testing using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, noise figure analyzers, and power meters; write test procedures, characterization reports, and performance documentation

• Support regulatory and compliance submissions including frequency coordination, band licensing, and emissions analysis

Required Skills

• 5+ years designing and deploying RF systems or communication links, with direct hands‑on experience

• Strong command of system‑level RF metrics - G/T, noise temperature, EIRP, noise figure, link budget, and fade margin - and proficiency with RF bench instrumentation (VNA, spectrum analyzer, noise figure analyzer, power meter)

• Experience owning a component BOM — selecting and sourcing LNAs, SSPAs, filters, diplexers, and waveguide hardware from specification through procurement

• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for link budget modeling and RF system analysis

• Field instinct — comfortable troubleshooting on a rooftop or remote site with limited resources

Desired Skills

• Prior experience developing or commissioning ground terminals for space or defense programs

• Experience with parabolic dish systems including feed installation, polarization alignment, and antenna control systems

• Working knowledge of DVB‑S2 or other satellite waveforms and modem‑level integration

• Experience with multi‑band or frequency‑agile systems including LO architecture, filtering, and band‑specific propagation effects (rain fade, atmospheric absorption, scintillation)

• Experience in RF lineup design at microwave frequencies — gain staging, compression, intermodulation, and harmonic management

• Familiarity with ground system EMI/EMC, phased array or electronically steered apertures, and ITAR‑controlled environments

In order to comply with the space technology export rules of the U.S. Government, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), it is necessary to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful U.S. permanent resident, a protected individual as specified by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or possess eligibility to secure the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For additional information on ITAR, please seek further details.

AnySignal values and fosters an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel respected, supported and able to participate. We welcome applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, veterans, people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our environment.

Should you have a need for accommodation, AnySignal will endeavor to meet your accommodation needs. At any stage of the recruitment and selection process you may make your needs for accommodation known through contacting our team, in confidence, by email to: [e-mail]. We aim to provide equal access to all applicants with disabilities, please do not hesitate to contact us about accommodations.