Staff Electrical Engineer, Radio Frequency (RF)

Menlo Ventures; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, Dental, Vision

PTO & Holidays

401K

Job summary

True Anomaly is hiring a Staff RF Electrical Engineer to define the architecture for full spacecraft RF systems and oversee program-level outcomes across teams.

You will develop reusable tools, drive cross-organizational alignment, and mentor the next generation of RF engineers, delivering high-performance communications capabilities for space programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• 10–14 years of RF system design experience in aerospace.
• Experience defining RF system/payload architectures for spacecraft programs.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture for full spacecraft RF systems; establish design and performance standards across programs.
• Develop system-level RF performance tools, analysis models, and standard methodologies.
• Establish standardized RF test methods; resolve cross-system EMI/EMI issues that span multiple subsystems.
• Optimize RF architectures at the system level; lead complex trade studies.
• Coordinate multi-stream RF projects across engineering teams to deliver program-level outcomes.
• Provide technical mentorship to engineers and develop durable engineering practices.
• Shape cross-organizational technical alignment; communicate under pressure.
• Support subcontracts and supplier development through design, development, and procurement efforts.

Skills

RF system design

Aerospace experience

RF simulation

Leadership & delivery

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

RF simulation software

EMC/EMI analysis tools

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset.We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

As a Staff RF Electrical Engineer at True Anomaly, you will define the architecture for full spacecraft RF systems and be accountable for program-level communication system outcomes across multiple teams. You will develop reusable engineering tools and standards, drive cross-organizational alignment, and serve as a technical coach who builds the next generation of RF engineers at True Anomaly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define architecture for full spacecraft RF systems; establish design and performance standards across programs
• Develop system-level RF performance tools, analysis models, and standard methodologies used across the organization
• Establish standardized RF test methods; resolve cross-system EMI/EMC issues that span multiple subsystems or programs
• Optimize RF architectures at the system level; inform and lead complex trade studies
• Run multi-stream RF projects; coordinate across engineering teams to deliver program-level outcomes
• Provide technical mentorship and coaching to engineers across teams; develop durable engineering practices
• Shape cross-organizational technical alignment; communicate clearly under pressure and ambiguity
• Support subcontracts and supplier development through design, development, and procurement efforts
• Embed True Anomaly's engineering values into cross-org delivery; serve as a visible role model for technical excellence and accountability

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
• 10–14 years of experience in RF system design and development for aerospace applications
• Demonstrated experience defining RF system/payload architectures for spacecraft programs.
• Deep expertise in link budget analysis, antenna systems, EMC/EMI, and space communication protocols
• Experience leading multi-team technical programs and driving cross-functional delivery
• Advanced proficiency in RF simulation and analysis tools
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to influence and align without direct authority

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with S/X/Ka-Band communications systems for space applications
• Expertise in satellite communication link optimization and technology trades
• Experience with software-defined radios (SDRs) at the system architecture level
• Experience with regulatory spectrum filing and frequency coordination
• Experience with RF missile defense applications
• Familiarity with encryption algorithms (NSA Type 1 preferred)
• Track record of developing junior and mid-level engineers into senior contributors
• Experience in a startup or high-growth aerospace environment

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $200,000 - $310,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near our Centennial or Long Beach locations.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.