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Senior RF Design Engineer (USG)

San Francisco

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online. 

As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit,  signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more! 

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career. 

Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!

Senior RF Design Engineer

As an RF Engineer you will be responsible for design, qualification, and procurement of active RF electronics (frequency converters, SSPAs, LNAs, PLLs, etc) in the RF front end of satellite payloads. You will work closely with other mechanical, payload systems, electrical, and software engineers to achieve overall system requirements in your designs.

Role:

  • Design, simulate, implement, and measure active and passive RF sub-systems at microwave frequencies, including; SSPAs, LNAs, power amplifiers, up/down converters, oscillators, filters, etc.
  • Be responsible for hardware designs from requirements definition through manufacturing, bring-up, and qualification testing
  • Integrate these systems into the spacecraft by working closely with the rest of the team
  • Specify, procure, and integrate third party vendor hardware
  • Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team

Requirements:

  • BS in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or equivalent
  • Passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
  • 6+ years of experience
  • Deep knowledge of fundamental RF concepts, such as RF circuit analysis, amplifier design, noise, linearity, radio architectures, etc
  • Hands-on experience in designing, building, and testing RF hardware for microwave frequencies
  • Proven completion of product from concept to production.
  • Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, Cadence, HFSS, etc)
  • Experience with PCB design, layout and simulation (Altium or similar)
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to hold a DoD Secret clearance

Bonus:

  • MS or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or equivalent
  • Experience with system in package (SiP), multi-chip modules (MCM), packaged RF hybrids, etc
  • Experience developing communications satellite payloads or TT&C systems
  • Experience designing SSPAs or implementing SSPA-based phased arrays
  • Experience with designing high reliability electronics for harsh environments such as space or automotive
  • Antennas and Electromagnetics propagation knowledge and background
  • Experience with Software Defined Radios and associated skillset (mixed signal, high speed digital)
  • Familiarity with Python or other scripting languages used for automating test instruments
  • Active DoD clearance
What we offer: 
 
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
 
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.
 
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$150,000 - $225,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
 
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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