Senior RF Electrical Engineer

About the role

As a Senior Electrical RF Engineer at Firestorm, you will own the design, integration, and electromagnetic performance of the antennas and RF systems that enable Firestorm’s sUAS platforms to communicate, navigate, and execute mission. You’ll work closely with airframe, electrical, payloads, and systems engineering teams to translate mission requirements into producible RF hardware—balancing link performance, SWaP-C, ruggedness, and manufacturability across our aircraft product lines.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and integrate antennas (HF through X-band) for command & control, telemetry, GNSS, video, and payload links on Firestorm’s sUAS platforms.
• Develop RF link budgets, frequency plans, and end-to-end RF system architectures across aircraft and payload configurations.
• Perform EMI/EMC analysis and cosite/intermodulation analysis to ensure compatible coexistence of multiple emitters and receivers on densely-populated airframes.
• Lead antenna integration trades—placement, pattern coverage, polarization, and structural co-design with airframe and mechanical engineering.
• Plan and execute RF testing—anechoic chamber pattern measurements, S-parameter characterization, EMI/EMC scans, range testing, and flight test verification—per MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, DO-160, and applicable customer requirements.
• Lead the RF design and integration of internally developed payloads, including signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and communications relay capabilities.
• Generate and maintain RF engineering documentation: block diagrams, interface control documents, link analyses, test reports, and configuration baselines.
• Interface with vendors and customers as the technical lead for antenna, radio, and RF payload selection, qualification, and procurement.
• Support fielding and test events—traveling to test sites and customer locations to validate RF performance in operational conditions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide RF subject matter expertise across the broader hardware program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in RF and antenna engineering, preferably in the aerospace, defense, or wireless communications industry
• Proficiency in electromagnetic simulation tools (HFSS, CST, FEKO, or AWR) for antenna and RF circuit design
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and anechoic chamber measurements
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC analysis and applicable standards (MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, DO-160)
• Experience with cosite interference analysis, frequency planning, and RF link budget development
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for RF data analysis, measurement automation, and signal processing
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic startup environment
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance