Senior Space RF Test Engineer (SDR & Payloads)

TalentRemedy; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sr. RF Engineer for Space Team role focusing on RF payloads, SDRs, and flight hardware testing. You will define test campaigns, troubleshoot anomalies, and collaborate with design, mechanical, software, payload, and systems teams to move hardware from bench to launch readiness.

This hands-on position requires extensive RF knowledge, lab work, and experience with EMI/EMC, ESD handling, and cleanroom processes. Occasional collaboration with spacecraft integration teams is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting RF electronics including SDRs, mixers, filters, amplifiers, and receiver chains.
• Enjoys hands-on lab and cleanroom work over desk tasks.
• Strong knowledge of software-defined radio architectures and space-based RF systems.
• Proven track record solving RF/electrical issues methodically.
• Experience with RF test equipment and RF front-ends.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB for RF analysis and automation.

Responsibilities

• Own RF performance test campaigns for space-based payloads and SDR systems, from planning through execution and reporting.
• Define and scope RF test plans to verify sensitivity, dynamic range, spurious emissions, linearity, and signal quality.
• Spend hands-on time in the lab running tests, operating RF and electrical test equipment, and working with flight hardware.
• Troubleshoot RF and electrical issues uncovered during test and drive corrective actions.
• Develop test procedures, fixtures, and automation scripts to characterize SDR and RF front-end performance.
• Execute EMI/EMC testing, identify interference sources, and validate mitigation strategies.
• Support spacecraft integration and test efforts, including bring-up and use of EGSE and flatsats.
• Perform first article hardware unit testing including receiving inspection, burn-in, thermal validation, and checkouts.
• Diagnose test escapes and hardware anomalies with documented findings for the engineering team.
• Translate test findings into actionable feedback for RF design improvements.
• Perform RF link budget analysis, interference modeling, and sensitivity trade studies.
• Handle ESD-sensitive components and flight hardware per cleanroom and quality protocols.

Skills

RF testing

Troubleshooting

Lab & cleanroom work

Python

C++

MATLAB

RF theory & fundamentals

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum Analyzers

Network Analyzers

Signal Generators

Noise Figure Analyzers

Job description

Sr. RF Engineer for Space Team role focusing on RF payloads, SDRs, and flight hardware testing. You will define test campaigns, troubleshoot anomalies, and collaborate with design, mechanical, software, payload, and systems teams to move hardware from bench to launch readiness.

This hands-on position requires extensive RF knowledge, lab work, and experience with EMI/EMC, ESD handling, and cleanroom processes. Occasional collaboration with spacecraft integration teams is expected.