Electrical Engineer, Optics and RF

About the role

The Avionics Team is looking for an RF Engineer to design, develop, and validate RF hardware for communication, telemetry, command and control, and high-bandwidth data transport across spacecraft platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design RF driver and receiver circuitry for optical communication links supporting data rates up to 50 Gbps
• Develop end-to-end RF signal chain architecture for laser diode drivers, modulators, and photodetector front-ends
• Design and lay out high-speed RF/analog PCBs, including specialized stack-ups tailored for RF signal integrity and impedance control
• Perform signal integrity analysis, including impedance matching, crosstalk mitigation, and eye-diagram/jitter optimization for high-speed links
• Collaborate with optics and photonics engineers to co-design electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical interfaces
• Support the design, integration, and testing of free-space optical communication terminals, including transmitter and receiver electronics
• Conduct RF circuit simulation (S-parameter analysis, transmission line modeling) and validate designs through lab measurement and characterization
• Debug and troubleshoot high-speed RF/optical link performance issues in lab and field test environments
• Work closely with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to integrate RF/optical subsystems into complete communication terminals
• Document design decisions, test results, and contribute to design reviews and technical roadmaps
• Stay current with advances in optical communication technology, RF driver ICs, and opto-electronic component development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Photonics, or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience designing RF circuitry for high-speed communication systems
• Hands-on experience designing RF circuits to drive optical communication links (laser drivers, TIAs, modulator drivers)
• Direct experience with free-space/open-space laser communication systems
• Proven experience working with high-speed RF communication links in the 1 Gbps to 50 Gbps range
• Solid understanding of RF transmission line theory, impedance matching, and high-speed signal integrity principles
• Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools (ADS, HFSS, or equivalent) and PCB design tools (Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro)
• Experience with lab test and measurement equipment for high-speed RF characterization (network analyzers, BERTs, oscilloscopes, eye-diagram analysis)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex RF/optical system issues
• Effective communicator able to collaborate cross-functionally with optics, mechanical, and systems teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and hands-on experience with opto-silicon (silicon photonics) design and integration
• Familiarity with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF/optical hardware design
• Experience with laser diode driver ICs, transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), and high-speed modulator technologies
• Background in coherent or direct-detection optical communication link design
• Understanding of link budget analysis and optical power/noise trade-offs for free-space channels
• Familiarity with fiber-optic component integration (photodiodes, laser diodes, optical amplifiers)
• Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques for high-speed RF/optical systems
• Publishations or patents related to RF/optical communication system design

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $128,000 - $175,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance. A 401(k) retirement savings plan is also available. Paid time off, 10 paid holidays per calendar year, and paid parental leave are provided. Relocation assistance is available if applicable. Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks are included. ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.