Sr. RF Systems Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education Reimbursement

Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in California is seeking an RF & Communication Systems Architect to lead the design of advanced communications systems for satellites. The role requires 12+ years in RF communications design, with strong expertise in technologies like RFFE and AESA. Responsibilities include defining technical roadmaps and ensuring integration across avionics and navigation systems. Offering competitive salary from $200,000 to $250,000, with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and flexible time off.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in RF communications systems design and architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in several RF technologies.
• Proven track record architecting complex systems for space or aerospace missions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of communications architectures.
• Collaborate with multiple domains to deliver high-performance systems.
• Ensure seamless integration of RF subsystems into missions.

Skills

RF front-end (RFFE)

Modem design

Active electronically scanned arrays (AESA)

Link analysis

GNSS

ADC/DAC technologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Overview

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Position Summary

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced RF & Communication Systems Architect to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Platforms & Mission Engineering the RF & Communication Systems Architect will lead the design, integration, and optimization of advanced communications architectures for next‑generation satellite platforms. This role requires deep expertise in RF front‑end (RFFE), modem design, active electronically scanned arrays (AESA), link analysis, GNSS, direct conversion architectures, and ADC/DAC technologies. As a technical SME, you will architect end‑to‑end communications solutions, define technology roadmaps, and ensure seamless integration of RF subsystems into spacecraft and mission architectures. You will collaborate across avionics, propulsion, navigation, and computing domains to deliver resilient, high‑performance communications systems for government and commercial missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in RF communications systems design and architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • RFFE design and integration
  • Modem architectures and DSP algorithms
  • AESA development and phased array control
  • Link analysis and performance modeling
  • GNSS resilience and navigation integration
  • Direct conversion architectures and ADC/DAC systems
• Proven track record architecting complex “systems of systems” for space or aerospace missions.
• Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in RF communications systems design and architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • RFFE design and integration
  • Modem architectures and DSP algorithms
  • AESA development and phased array control
  • Link analysis and performance modeling
  • GNSS resilience and navigation integration
  • Direct conversion architectures and ADC/DAC systems
• Proven track record architecting complex “systems of systems” for space or aerospace missions.
• Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with deep space communications, inter-satellite links, and ground station networks.
• Knowledge of secure computing architectures and regulatory spectrum management.
• Background in digital signal processing algorithms and advanced communications theory.
• Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on communications systems.
• Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $200,000 — $250,000 USD

Benefits

• 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end‑to‑end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on‑orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

Accessibility Contact

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].