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Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to deliver government-focused communications, hosted payloads, and earth-observation capabilities. The Sr. RF Engineer will design, model, test, and support RF hardware and system-level RF solutions for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit, working closely with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software teams to move concepts from design and demo to operational capability.

Skills

  • Expertise with EM/antenna simulation tools (HFSS, CST)
  • Proficiency with RF/microwave design and analysis tools (ADS, MATLAB)
  • Software skills in C/C++ and/or Python for modeling and automation
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generators)
  • Experience with link budgets and communications/remote sensing system analysis
  • Familiarity with PCB-level RF testing and defect detection

Responsibilities

  • Drive program-level RF system design decisions and trade studies
  • Research and propose novel RF solutions for large-scale satellite systems
  • Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software teams to design and validate RF systems
  • Develop and support RF hardware across the full lifecycle: PCBA board testing, functional unit testing, and on-orbit anomaly resolution
  • Create electromagnetic simulation models (antennas, filters, PCB layouts) and evaluate performance
  • Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings to meet flight reliability and manufacturability requirements
  • Create and maintain link budgets and communications/remote sensing analyses

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field required
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering (microwave/RF emphasis) preferred

Benefits

  • Base salary plus potential long-term incentives (stock, options, long-term cash awards)
  • Potential discretionary bonuses and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan and short/long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance and paid parental leave
  • Approximately 3 weeks paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year
  • Accrued paid sick leave per company policy
  • TS/SCI holders may receive a 10% differential up to $20,000 annually for classified programs
To read the complete job description, please click on the ‘Apply’ button
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Average salary estimate

$192500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$160000K
$225000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

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CULTURE VALUES
Mission Driven
Social Impact Driven
Passion for Exploration
Reward & Recognition
FUNDING
DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
SALARY RANGE
$160,000/yr - $225,000/yr
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, onsite
DATE POSTED
April 24, 2026
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