RF Engineer

SpinLaunch is a space technology company committed to revolutionizing access to space by enabling the rapid, cost-effective deployment of launch, satellites, and services. With backing from industry leaders in venture capital and engineering, including Airbus Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Kleiner Perkins, we are primed to advance the commercialization of our end-to-end space solutions. At SpinLaunch, you'll be at the forefront of transforming the entire space landscape - creating a more affordable and sustainable space industry. Join us in our mission and be an integral part of a close-knit, collaborative team that strives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. This is an on-site position located at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. 

Your Mission on the Team:  

• Detailed design of RF circuits in satllite payloads and in electronically steered antennas (ESA)
• Selection and specification of components for RF circuits, including line amplifiers, HPA, LNA, mixers, cavity tuned band pass filters, microstrip and stripline printed components, high speed A/D and D/A converters, Terabit backplane switching and control components, power conditioning components, power and heat management components, hybrids, and ASIC
• Model RF system behavior and validate RF system performance
• Develop interfaces between RF circuits and antennas
• Evaluate and test new components and technologies
• Perform trade studies between cost and performance
• Estimate the development time, NRE costs, and recurring costs for various RF circuits
• Contribute to all phases of development life cycle (requirements definition, systems and circuit design, integration of RF and wireless circuits and systems, testing, and manufacturing activities)

Basic Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree, preferably a PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field   
• Minimum of 10 years of broad experience doing RF/Analog circuit design and board layout using the relevant tools
• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or some equally strong theoretical background
• Experience modeling, designing, and testing RF subsystems, preferably for satellite payloads
• Expertise in RF front end design and integration of RF subsystems
• Experience using HFSS, CST, ADS, Clarity, GRASP, GENESYS or similar RF simulation tools
• Experience doing microwave analysis (and electrical analysis in general) using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
• Familiarity with directional couplers, circulators, and other waveguide components
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of mixed signal design
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of modulation methods and modem capabilities
• Ability to perform bench-level analog/power bring-up and troubleshooting using analog and digital test equipment like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and vector signal generators
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex RF subsystems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers, recruit talent, lead teams, and manage projects
• Experience in the design of satellite payloads and in managing radiation effects
• Experience designing, manufacturing, and testing space flight hardware
• Design of ASICs and hybrid modules
• Antenna or satellite system design experience
• Understanding of microwave propagation theory
• Experience operating and maintaining anechoic chambers
• Expertise in programming test equipment using languages like C and LabVIEW

ITAR Requirements 

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.  

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.