Director, RF Payload Hardware

Logos Space•San Diego, CA

12h

About The Position

The Director, RF Payload Hardware at Logos Space will have technical ownership of the end-to-end RF hardware design for our novel mmWave satellite payload and terminal. This critical role involves supporting the development of the RF system architecture, cognizance over the vendors providing hardware subsystems, hardware design and production of internally-developed subsystems, and collaboration with the software development teams (internal to Logos and external). The systems and subsystems include satellite mmWave apertures and transponders, baseband processors, and RF-ISL payloads as well as highly robust ground and airborne user transceivers. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in RF/microwave engineering, antenna systems (both high-gain and low-gain), and modern communication techniques, particularly those involving highly spread spectrum waveforms. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture design to hardware integration and performance verification. The development of suitable facilities and the required ground support equipment also falls within the purview of the RF payload hardware team. The Director for this group expected to build the team to its full functional cadence with the right pacing and to support the full life cycle of the product development. We are looking for a highly skilled team leader that will be responsible for a large team directing multiple areas of development of RF hardware. This role will spearhead the design, development, integration, and testing of RF payloads for our satellite systems and associated ground terminals. This role requires deep expertise in RF/microwave engineering, antenna systems (both high-gain and low-gain), and modern communication techniques, particularly those involving highly spread spectrum waveforms. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture design to hardware integration and performance verification. You should be prepared to work and thrive in a fast-moving environment where you are comfortable taking vague design ideas and turning them into tangible hardware ready for test and flight. We are seeking engineers who love to solve and manage hard problems!

Requirements

Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Electrical Engineering with a focus on RF/Microwave. or a closely related technical field.
Significant professional experience with team building as well as team and function planning.
Significant professional experience with operation management including developing and adapting cost and schedule under dynamic conditions.
10+ years of experience in RF/microwave circuit and system design for satellite communications, radar, or similar aerospace applications..
Demonstrated experience leading the design and development of complex RF payloads or communication systems.
Strong theoretical and practical understanding of RF/microwave components (amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators, etc.) and system parameters (NF, IP3, P1dB, phase noise, spurious).
Experience with antenna systems, including both high-gain (e.g., parabolic reflectors, phased arrays) and low-gain (e.g., patch, omnidirectional) antennas.
Proven experience working with spread spectrum communication techniques and understanding their impact on RF hardware design.
Experience developing and executing RF test plans and procedures.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex RF issues.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly.
Experience with full product life cycle
Experience working with contract manufacturers for high scale production
Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills - We are looking for leader

Nice To Haves

Experience with space hardware development processes, including radiation effects and space qualification.
Experience with RF-related environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration).
Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., FCC, ITU) for satellite communications.
Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing technical projects.
Experience managing subcontractors and suppliers for space hardware.

Responsibilities

Building a sizable interdisciplinary team that spans from development, integration, and at-scale manufacturing of RF hardware systems.
Managing RF Hardware operations, including cost, schedule, and performance.
RF Payload Hardware Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural design and detailed RF hardware engineering for satellite communication payloads, including frequency converters, amplifiers (SSPAs/LNAs), filters, switches, and interconnects. Specific attention to the manufacturing and production scaling of hardware systems and subsystems.
Ground Terminal RF Hardware Design: Oversee the RF hardware design aspects of the corresponding ground terminals, ensuring seamless compatibility and optimal performance with the satellite payload.
Antenna System Integration: Define, with associated team members requirements for, and manage the integration of, both High Gain Antennas (HGAs) and Low Gain Antennas (LGAs) on both the satellite and ground terminal segments. Work closely with antenna design specialists.
Spread Spectrum Waveform Implementation: Ensure the RF hardware design effectively supports the transmission and reception of highly spread spectrum waveforms (e.g., Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum - DSSS, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum - FHSS, Chirp Spread Spectrum - CSS), considering factors like linearity, phase noise, bandwidth, and dynamic range.
RF Performance Analysis: Cognizant of detailed RF link budget analysis, cascade analysis (Noise Figure, Gain, Intercept Point), interference analysis, and evaluate modulation/demodulation performance.
Component Selection & Specification: Lead, with associated team members and with the signal and baseband signal processing teams, the selection, specification, and qualification of RF components and subsystems from vendors.
Integration & Test Leadership: Develop and oversee RF test facilities, plans and procedures for payload and terminal integration. Lead RF testing activities at the unit, subsystem, and system levels. Analyze test data and resolve anomalies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface effectively with systems engineering, digital hardware, software, mechanical, thermal, and integration & test teams.
Facilitate Accurate and Complete Documentation: Lead the generation and maintenance of documentation of internal and external processes and technical comprehensive design documentation, specifications, test reports, and review materials.
Mentorship & Guidance: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to both subsystem leads and junior RF hardware engineers.
Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and direction to a team of engineers. Lead design reviews and technical deep dives.
Manage technical risks and propose mitigation strategies.