Principal RF Engineer

Red Cell Partners • Torrance, CA

1d

About The Position

In this role, you will be a key technical leader, driving the development and architecture of our antenna systems. You will leverage your deep expertise in RF engineering to create innovative solutions and guide multi-disciplinary teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in RF engineering, with a focus on antenna systems and RF circuit design.
• Deep understanding of RF principles, electromagnetic theory, and antenna design.
• Extensive experience with RF simulation and modeling tools.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and guide multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with transitioning technology from research to commercial products.
• Understanding of defense, aerospace, or telecommunications product requirements.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, high-voltage power supplies), data capture, and model-to-measurement correlation.
• Comfort with ambiguity and experimental hardware; disciplined approach to documentation and test plans.
• Experience with software-defined radio interfaces and controls for adaptive RF systems.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with defense certification pathways (FCC/ETSI, MIL-STD-461) and scaling technologies across TRLs.
• Prior work on SBIR/STTR proposals or program execution.
• Active security clearance or eligibility.
• Experience with dual-use technology commercialization.
• Knowledge of Department of Defense go-to-market strategies.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory landscape.
• Startup or entrepreneurial experience.
• Previous experience with series A or earlier startups.
• Work history in national security, cyber security, or defense.

Responsibilities

• Develop the technical roadmap for RF components and systems, aligning with the company's product vision.
• Architect system-level solutions for plasma-enhanced antenna technology, focusing on performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Lead research and development efforts for RFICs, high-power amplifiers, and advanced antenna systems.
• Perform advanced modeling and simulation to optimize system performance.
• Lead the design and integration of RF modules and subsystems.
• Troubleshoot complex RF systems and identify solutions to challenging technical problems.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering technical growth and excellence within the team.
• Guide multi-disciplinary teams in the development of innovative RF solutions.
• Interface with stakeholders and customers to understand their needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Identify new applications and use cases for core technology.
• Evaluate complementary technologies and acquisition opportunities.
• Manage intellectual property strategy and patent portfolio.
• Foster innovation culture and technical excellence.
• Lead systems engineering that integrates electrical engineering and applied plasma physics end-to-end—RF front-ends, plasma ignition/sustainment, controls, packaging, power, and environmental robustness.
• Architect modular designs enabling upgrades and software-defined antenna behaviors; drive manufacturability with contract partners.
• Lead technical development for the company’s primary and secondary products, from concept to prototype to qualification.
• Own rapid prototyping cycles: plan experiments, instrument tests, analyze results, and iterate. Build and run a lean lab environment that balances velocity with rigor.
• Address key challenges in plasma ignition & sustainment, thermal/power management, environmental robustness, and system reliability.
• Drive compliance pathways (e.g., FCC/ETSI, MIL-STD-461) and coordinate with test labs and government partners to qualify systems for operational use.
• Act as the senior technical interface to DoD/USG stakeholders and industry partners; communicate clearly and credibly with non-technical decision-makers.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid, comprehensive health care including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.
• Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at employees' normal pay.
• Unlimited PTO, with management approval.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
• Occasional travel to our offices in Washington D.C or alternative locations to collaborate with your team in person.
• Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.
• Mental health benefits are available through Tara Mind.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees