Principal Radio Frequency Engineer

Why LeoLabs?

At LeoLabs, we’re building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions. We’re not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space.

As a Principal RF Engineer

• Lead the architecture and development of RF subsystems for next-generation radar platforms
• Design and analyze RF circuits including receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, filters, frequency synthesis, and antenna interfaces
• Develop system-level RF budgets, cascade analyses, and performance models
• Drive RF PCB design from schematic capture through layout, bring-up, validation, and production release
• Perform laboratory characterization, debugging, calibration, and performance optimization using modern RF test equipment
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, embedded software, and manufacturing engineers to integrate RF hardware into complete radar systems
• Conduct technical design reviews and provide mentorship to other RF engineers
• Evaluate technical tradeoffs and help define the RF architecture for future radar platforms
• Support manufacturing, field deployments, and root-cause investigations as products transition into production

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
• 12+ years of experience designing RF and microwave electronics
• Deep understanding of RF system design, microwave circuit theory, and radar fundamentals
• Demonstrated experience designing complex RF PCBAs from concept through production
• Proficiency with Altium Designer or equivalent PCB design software
• Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS and CST
• Strong laboratory skills using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and related RF instrumentation
• Experience developing engineering tools and automation using Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in RF or microwave engineering
• Experience designing radar, aerospace, communications, or defense electronics
• Experience with phased arrays, antenna design, or beamforming systems
• Experience with RF calibration, metrology, and EMI/EMC mitigation
• Familiarity with PLM systems such as Arena
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring engineers

Full-Time, Onsite Position

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Menlo Park, California. Occasional travel may be required to support hardware integration and field activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and development of RF subsystems for next-generation radar platforms
• Design and analyze RF circuits including receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, filters, frequency synthesis, and antenna interfaces
• Develop system-level RF budgets, cascade analyses, and performance models
• Drive RF PCB design from schematic capture through layout, bring-up, validation, and production release
• Perform laboratory characterization, debugging, calibration, and performance optimization using modern RF test equipment
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, embedded software, and manufacturing engineers to integrate RF hardware into complete radar systems
• Conduct technical design reviews and provide mentorship to other RF engineers
• Evaluate technical tradeoffs and help define the RF architecture for future radar platforms
• Support manufacturing, field deployments, and root-cause investigations as products transition into production

Benefits

Compensation: 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 is $260,000 + bonus + stock options + benefits.

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.

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.