Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer

Skylo Technologies

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Skylo is hiring a Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer, who will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, design, development, and on-orbit performance of advanced RF communications payloads enabling direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity from LEO spacecraft. The Principal RF Payload Lead owns the complete technical solution—from requirements definition and system architecture through hardware delivery, integration, testing, and mission operations support—of a space-qualified phased-array payload integrated with cellular networks and deployed at constellation scale.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with emphasis on RF, communications, or electromagnetics.
• 8–10+ years of experience in RF and communications systems engineering, including development of LEO satellite communications payloads or space-based RF systems.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering phased-array or electronically steered antenna systems, including architecture, modeling, beamforming, calibration, and test.
• Hands-on experience across the full RF payload lifecycle: requirements definition, design, hardware bring-up, integration, environmental testing, and flight delivery.
• Strong background in analog and digital RF design, including LNAs, PAs, frequency conversion, filtering, and end-to-end link analysis for high-performance communication systems.
• Proficiency with RF simulation and analysis tools (system-level and EM solvers) and laboratory RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators).
• Deep knowledge of cellular communications systems (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR, or similar), including waveforms, multiple-access schemes, channelization, and physical-layer parameters.
• Experience applying or adapting cellular standards to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or LEO satellite-based connectivity, including latency, Doppler, and mobility impacts.
• Familiarity with RAN and core network concepts, device requirements, and end-to-end system behavior for direct-to-device satellite services.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience on direct-to-device LEO satellite programs or 3GPP NTN-based systems.
• Proven track record leading complex technical teams delivering RF payload or communications hardware for on-orbit LEO missions.
• Strong understanding of space systems engineering practices applicable to LEO programs, including configuration management, risk management, and verification and validation of flight hardware.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one, as required by program needs.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the RF payload architecture for direct-to-device services on LEO spacecraft, including phased-array antennas, RF front ends, frequency planning, and waveform selection aligned with cellular standards.
• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of phased-array antennas (e.g., electronically steered arrays) for LEO missions, including beam forming strategies, scan performance, EIRP/G/T, ground coverage optimization, and handover considerations.
• Own end-to-end RF and communications link design for LEO space-to-ground cellular connectivity, including link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, Doppler impacts, interference analysis, and regulatory considerations.
• Define and manage RF payload interfaces with the spacecraft bus, including power, thermal, structural, EMI/EMC, data interfaces, and command and telemetry.
• Lead payload-level integration and test, including functional testing, RF performance verification, over-the-air testing of phased arrays, and environmental qualification for launch and the LEO space environment.
• Collaborate closely with cellular RAN and core network teams to ensure compatibility with 3GPP and related standards, including protocol behavior over LEO satellite links and integration with terrestrial networks.
• Develop and maintain requirements, specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs) for RF payload subsystems and suppliers; lead technical trade studies and formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams (RF, antennas, digital, baseband, and software) and manage external vendors delivering RF and phased-array hardware.
• Support mission operations and constellation deployment, including payload checkout, on-orbit commissioning, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting of RF and communications anomalies.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages including a stock option based equity program
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan
• Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement
• A generous time off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad
• Once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of developing and running world’s first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite network and service
• Access to world-class team and talent across tech domains: software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite and network virtualization
• Open, transparent, inclusive culture that blends the Silicon Valley, Nordic and South Asia characteristics

What This Job Offers

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