Staff RF Engineer

LeoLabs, Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Staff RF Engineer to join their Hardware Engineering Team in Menlo Park, CA. This pivotal role involves designing and developing advanced radar systems that provide critical orbital intelligence. You will lead the development of RF modules, manage system requirements, and work closely with a talented team in a fast-paced environment. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology that supports space operations and exploration. If you have a strong background in RF engineering and are ready to make a significant impact, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in RF engineering with strong PCB design skills.
• Expertise in EM simulation and RF lab equipment usage.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of RF modules and manage system requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software engineers for design.

Skills

RF & microwave fundamentals

PCB design

EM simulation

RF lab equipment proficiency

RF circuit design

Education

BSEE or equivalent

MSEE with concentration in RF

Tools

Altium

CST

ADS

VNA

spectrum analyzer

Job description

About Us

LeoLabs enables military space commands, civil government agencies, and commercial operators to confidently detect, track, characterize, and respond to threats in space. Our proliferated, multi-mission radar network, real-time orbital data catalog, and AI-powered analytics support secure, safe, and dynamic space operations.

At LeoLabs, our core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Impact guide everything we do. We foster an environment where bold ideas are encouraged, doing the right thing is fundamental, and our work makes a meaningful difference in safeguarding space and our way of life on Earth. As part of our team, you’ll contribute to building the world’s most comprehensive living map of orbital activity, designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our era. Together, we are preserving the U.S. and Allied advantage in space, driving the growth of the global economy, and enabling the future of space exploration and innovation.

The Opportunity

At LeoLabs, the Hardware Engineering Team designs, develops, manufactures, and deploys the advanced radar systems that provide persistent orbital intelligence to our customers worldwide. As a Staff RF Engineer, you will contribute to the development of next-generation radar hardware operating at UHF, S-Band, and beyond. This role demands cross-functional collaboration within a high-performing and fast-paced team. Occasional international travel may be required. This role is fully on site at our headquarters in Menlo Park, CA and will report to the Hardware Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead development of core RF modules such as receivers, amplifiers, and antennas
2. Manage RF system requirements, cascade analysis, and link budgets
3. End-to-end PCB design from schematic capture through layout
4. Module-level bring up, debug, and test in a laboratory environment
5. Close collaboration with mechanical and embedded software engineers

Basic Qualifications:

1. Strong technical background in RF & microwave fundamentals
2. BSEE (or equivalent) with 10+ years of relevant experience
3. Ability to lead RF circuit design and PCB layout (Altium or equivalent)
4. EM simulation expertise for RF structures and antennas (CST, ADS)
5. Proficiency with RF lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, NF meter, etc.)
6. Proven track record of moving designs from development into production

Preferred Qualifications:

1. MSEE with a concentration in RF or radar electronics
2. Power supply design experience
3. Embedded Software development experience
4. Strong understanding of DSP concepts and software defined radio architecture
5. EMI testing, mitigation, and qualification experience
6. Deep understanding of RF calibration and metrology
7. Ability to hold a US Security Clearance

Within 1 month, you will:

1. Complete our onboarding program designed to get you up to speed on our business, vision and team
2. Gain an understanding about how your role fits into LeoLabs broader organization
3. Learn about our existing projects and product roadmap

Within 3 months, you will:

1. Gain an understanding of the team dynamic and project timeframes
2. Design and prototype a PCB for our next gen radar system
3. Begin work on a system design for an adjacent market radar architecture

Within 6 months, you will:

1. Become familiar with existing designs and deployed hardware and conduct field work
2. Take ownership of a new design and carry it through into the production phase

Within 12 months, you will:

1. Move multiple projects into the production phase of development
2. Contribute to new designs on the product roadmap
3. Contribute significantly to system architecture discussions

Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position $180,000 - 205,000

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We do not work with outside staffing agencies

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC’s website