RF Engineer IV (Electrical/Comms) Clearance Required

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

1d•$137,443 - $188,983

About The Position

The Sr. RF Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing advanced RF systems and components for space-based applications, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and RF amplifiers. This role requires specialized expertise in RF engineering, advanced knowledge of electrical and avionics systems architectures, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems. The Sr. RF Engineer will provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development and integration of RF systems, meeting performance and reliability requirements. In this role, you will design and develop advanced RF systems and components for space-based applications, conducting performance testing and validation of RF systems, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and RF amplifiers. You will utilize advanced electrical design tools and methodologies to perform complex design tasks and troubleshoot complex problems related to RF systems and components. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will ensure project success and seamless integration of RF systems into larger systems. As a Responsible Engineer (RE), you will own discrete technical packages, ensuring successful execution and delivery. You will provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused environment. Additionally, you will prepare and maintain technical documentation and reports to ensure traceability and compliance with industry standards. Staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends in RF engineering, you will apply this knowledge to drive innovation and enhance system performance in ongoing projects.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +6 yrs experience).
Typically 8+ years of related experience.
Specialized expertise in a particular area (e.g., power systems, control systems, EWIS, C&DH, etc.).
In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards.
Advanced knowledge of electrical and avionics systems architectures and their design.
Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems.
Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.
Ability to work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large engineering teams.
Understanding of band-specific trade spaces (e.g., S-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band) for RF components.
Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
Knowledge of systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
Experience performing trade studies to support communication subsystem architecture decisions.
An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.
U.S. Citizenship status is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE), driving hardware through its lifecycle, including development, qualification, integration & Test, Verification & Validation, and certification.
Experience with communications hardware component procurement, including S-band transponders and antennas commonly used in space applications.
Experience developing RF space communications link budget and coverage analysis.
Experience handling COMSEC equipment and knowledge of COMSEC requirements.
Extensive proficiency with RF design and simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or CST.
Significant experience with RF measurement equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
Deep understanding of RF system performance parameters such as gain, noise figure, and linearity.
Experience with PCB design and layout tools such as Altium Designer or OrCAD.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Experience with advanced RF technologies and their applications in space-based systems.
Proven track record of managing complex technical projects and delivering successful outcomes.

Responsibilities

Design and develop advanced RF systems and components for space-based applications.
Conduct performance testing and validation of RF systems, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and RF amplifiers.
Utilize advanced electrical design tools and methodologies to perform complex design tasks.
Troubleshoot complex problems related to RF systems and components.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success and seamless integration of RF systems into larger systems.
Own discrete technical packages, ensuring successful execution and delivery as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation and reports to ensure traceability and compliance with industry standards.
Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in RF engineering and apply this knowledge to drive innovation and enhance system performance.