RF Systems Architect

To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

About the role

CesiumAstro is seeking an RF Systems Architect to lead the definition and development of next-generation ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) RF payloads, with emphasis on radar systems, RF sensing, and wideband signal collection. This role is highly strategic and technical, focused on end-to-end RF payload architecture—from antenna and front-end design through system-level performance, signal processing considerations, and mission integration. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep experience in phased array systems, wideband RF architectures, and space-based sensing payloads.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead system architecture for advanced ISR RF payloads, including radar and RF sensing systems for space and airborne platforms.
• Translate mission objectives into end-to-end RF payload architectures, including antenna systems, RF front-end, digitization, and downstream processing.
• Drive architectural trade studies across performance, SWaP, scalability, and mission constraints.
• Lead concept development for wideband, multi-beam, and multi-function RF payloads, including electronically steered arrays and digital beamforming systems.
• Partner with business development to shape technical strategy, support proposals, and secure new program opportunities.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF payload architecture, supporting internal reviews and customer engagements.
• Guide cross-functional teams through architecture definition, prototyping, and system validation.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging ISR, radar, and RF sensing technologies and incorporate advancements into product roadmaps.
• Mentor engineers and establish best practices in RF system architecture and payload development.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, architectures, and trade-offs to internal stakeholders and external customers.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• 15+ years of professional experience in RF engineering, radar systems, or RF sensing technologies.
• Demonstrated expertise in RF system design fundamentals, including link budgets, noise analysis, and RF propagation.
• Strong technical background in phased array antennas, beamforming techniques, and wideband RF systems.
• Experience working with RF hardware components such as antennas, LNAs, mixers, ADCs/DACs, and frequency conversion chains.
• Proficiency with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, CST, or similar).
• Solid understanding of radar principles and/or signal processing techniques relevant to RF sensing applications.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or space-based systems environments.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience or progression into senior/architect-level roles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex engineering environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience contributing to or leading successful program captures and technical strategy.
• Demonstrated innovation, including patents or novel RF/antenna system developments.
• Experience in fast-paced, startup, or advanced development environments.

Pay

$218,000 - $266,000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits

• Full-time employment offers include company stock options.
• Generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.