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Sr. RF Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA

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!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. RF Systems Engineer  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Platforms the Sr. RF Systems Engineer will support the development, integration, and delivery of RF and communication subsystems for next‑generation satellite platforms. This role focuses on supplier and vendor management, requirements development, system‑level RF engineering, and ensuring that RF hardware and subsystems meet mission needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supplier & Vendor Management
    Serve as the primary technical interface with RF and communication subsystem suppliers.
    • Evaluate vendor proposals, capabilities, and compliance with technical requirements.
    • Oversee supplier performance, technical deliverables, schedules, and risk management.
    • Support build reviews, qualification plans, and integration readiness.
  • Systems Engineering & Integration
    Develop, refine, and manage RF system and subsystem requirements.
    • Support integration of RF front‑end, modem, GNSS, and digital conversion components into spacecraft architectures.
    • Participate in design reviews, interface definition, and system‑level verification activities.
    • Perform basic link analysis, performance assessment, and requirements validation (with support from SMEs as needed).
  • Program Execution
    Coordinate engineering activities across internal teams including avionics, mission systems, and manufacturing.
    • Track technical performance, risks, and documentation throughout the program lifecycle.
    • Assist with issue resolution during subsystem integration, test, and delivery.
    • Ensure that RF subsystem designs meet mission performance, environmental, and reliability requirements.
  • Cross‑Functional Collaboration
    Work closely with mission engineering, vehicle engineering, and operations teams to ensure cohesive system performance.
    • Support internal and external stakeholders through clear technical communication and documentation.

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems, or related hardware development.
  • Working knowledge of RF front‑end components, modem systems, GNSS, and link‑level performance.
  • Experience managing technical suppliers or subcontractors.
  • Ability to interpret RF test data, engineering drawings, and system requirements.
  • Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience with satellite communications systems or aerospace hardware development.
  • Familiarity with digital signal processing concepts and RF test equipment.
  • Experience working with government customers or regulated communication systems.
  • Understanding of space environmental constraints and qualification approaches.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 

Salary Range

$135,000 - $175,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

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.

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.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm. 

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