Staff RF Systems and Integration Engineer

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company in Torrance, California, seeks a Sr. RF Systems & Integration Engineer. You will be responsible for optimizing the performance of our wireless communication systems, including range and reliability, while integrating tactical radios. Ideal candidates have over 6 years of experience in RF systems and wireless communications. Compensation ranges from $132k to $183k, plus equity and bonuses.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in RF systems or wireless communications.
• Hands-on experience with wireless communication systems integration.
• Experience with multi-node wireless systems and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Own communications system performance including range and reliability.
• Integrate and optimize tactical radios.
• Develop systems for congested RF environments.

Skills

RF systems

Wireless communications

Multi-node wireless systems

Mesh/MANET radios

Debugging complex issues

Antenna systems

Tools

Doodle Labs

Silvus

Job description

Position Summary

FlightWave builds high-performance small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for defense, public safety, and national security customers. Our systems operate in real-world, RF‑contested environments where link reliability, throughput, and user experience are mission‑critical. We move fast, test early, and put hardware in the air constantly. We’re looking for a Sr. RF Systems & Integration Engineer to own and elevate the performance of our wireless communication systems end‑to‑end.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end communications system performance, including range, reliability, throughput, and latency
• Integrate and optimize tactical radios (e.g., Doodle Labs, Silvus, or similar), including band selection, power, and configuration tradeoffs
• Design and improve mesh networking (MANET) performance, including multi‑hop behavior, routing stability, and network resiliency
• Develop systems that perform in congested and contested RF environments, including interference avoidance and dynamic link adaptation
• Lead antenna selection and integration, including placement, radiation patterns, polarization, and real‑world mounting effects
• Diagnose and resolve issues across RF, hardware, firmware, and networking layers
• Plan and execute field testing (range, interference, stress scenarios) and translate results into actionable improvements
• Identify and mitigate EMI/EMC issues and support FCC/system‑level compliance efforts
• Partner cross‑functionally with electrical, software, and flight engineering teams to drive system‑level performance

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in RF systems, wireless communications, or related field
• Hands‑on experience integrating and optimizing wireless communication systems in real products
• Experience with multi‑node wireless systems or mesh/MANET‑based radios, including understanding of multi‑hop networking behavior
• Experience in wireless networking fundamentals (IP‑based systems, routing, latency/throughput tradeoffs)
• Experience debugging complex issues across multiple system layers (RF hardware + software + networking)
• Practical experience with antenna systems and RF hardware integration, including:
  • Understanding of antenna gain, polarization, and radiation patterns
  • Awareness of how placement, orientation, and platform integration impact real‑world performance
  • Experience minimizing RF losses (cabling, connectors, layout considerations)

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with small UAS, robotics, or mobile systems
• Experience with industry‑specific radio platforms (Doodle Labs, Silvus, Persistent, etc.)
• Experience with adaptive RF systems, including dynamic spectrum management and interference mitigation
• Experience with multi‑band radio systems (e.g., L/S/C bands, ISM band (900 MHz / 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz))
• Exposure to EMI/EMC testing and FCC Part 15 compliance
• Ability to identify and mitigate electrical noise and interference sources affecting RF performance (power systems, digital electronics, cabling, etc.)
• Experience with video/data transmission over wireless links (ISR, streaming, etc.)
• Background in defense, public safety, or mission‑critical communications environments

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move between lab, office, flight fields, and manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for handling tools, components, and test equipment.
• Visual and hearing ability to safely conduct and monitor test procedures.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Comfortable working in environments that may involve vibration, noise, temperature variations, or other test‑related conditions.

Background Check

This position requires successfully completing a post‑offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export‑restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates in E‑Verify to ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right‑to‑Work rules.

Compensation

$132 k – $183 k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.