RF Systems Engineer - Mission Payloads

York Space Systems • Greenwood Village, CO

41d

About The Position

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board. We are seeking an RF Systems Engineer to serve as the responsible engineer for our mission-specific, vendor-supplied payloads. This role centers on end-to-end ownership of complex RF systems — from requirements and design coordination through integration, test, and mission readiness. You’ll oversee payloads that include L-band, S-band, and UHF radios, antenna arrays, and amplifiers, ensuring that they meet mission, interface, and performance requirements across spacecraft and ground segments. These are semi-mature, vendor-delivered systems — your role is not to design RF hardware, but to shepherd the system, keep the technical threads organized, and ensure seamless integration into the vehicle and mission architecture. RF experience will make your job easier — but success in this role depends on system-level thinking, cross-functional coordination, and disciplined execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or communications systems engineering.
• Solid understanding of RF systems (radios, antennas, amplifiers, modems) — conceptual, not design-level.
• Demonstrated experience in requirements management, interface control, and test planning.
• Proven ability to coordinate across vendors, supply chain, and multi-disciplinary internal teams.
• Strong organizational and communication skills for technical documentation and major review prep.
• Active Secret clearance required; TS/SCI highly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant industry experience or Master’s degree in EE, Systems, or related field.
• Experience with software-defined radios, tactical waveforms, or SATCOM systems.
• Familiarity with payload integration and test environments (flat-sat, HWIL, EDU).
• Knowledge of RF chain components (LNAs, PAs, filters, couplers) and their interactions with spacecraft bus systems.
• Experience managing vendor-provided payloads or similar supplier oversight roles.
• Working knowledge of configuration management, verification traceability, and review readiness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for one or more mission-specific RF payloads (e.g., L-band SDRs, S-band/UHF radios, antenna arrays, amplifiers).
• Own and maintain payload-level requirements, CONOPS, and interface control documentation (ICDs).
• Lead the integration and verification of payloads with spacecraft bus and network systems.
• Build and oversee test plan execution, coordinate with internal and vendor teams for validation at EDU, ADU, protoflight, and on-orbit phases.
• Prepare and deliver technical content for major reviews (PDR, CDR, Pre-Ship, Mission Readiness).
• Interface daily with vendors, supply chain, and internal systems teams to track progress, resolve issues, and manage risk.
• Support payload-level risk management, anomaly resolution, and mission prep activities.
• Collaborate closely with RF subject matter experts and networking, software, thermal, structural, and mission leads to ensure reliable integration and performance.

Benefits

• In addition to compensation, York Space Systems is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with PTO and a 401K.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees