Principal RF Components Engineer

About This Role

As a Principal RF Components Engineer at Varda, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless connectivity between our satellite vehicles and ground stations. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of each RF component, collaborating closely with RF Systems Engineers to define component specifications and to either select or design the necessary hardware. Your work will be crucial in rigorously validating components before their deployment to space. This role requires a strong sense of ownership over your hardware, continually setting new standards for testing RF components before flight.

Some people say that you only have one chance to fly to space so you must be certain it will work. At Varda, we believe that the trip to space and back is the easiest trip our hardware takes. We stress our components above and beyond the levels it should expect to see in flight and we investigate our failures thoroughly. Come join our team and build quality electronics that you will get to see fly over and over again.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for RF flight components, including radios, power amplifiers, antennas and filters.
• Collaborate with RF Systems Engineers to refine product specifications, select or design appropriate components, and oversee the entire product lifecycle.
• Work closely with Flight Software, Structures, and Integration & Test teams to document cross-functional interface requirements for a successful deployment of hardware onto the flight vehicle.
• Take ultimate ownership of product acceptance and qualification testing for space environments, including Thermal, Vibration, Shock, TVAC, and EMI.
• Develop test software to automate equipment, stimulate, and measure component performance, ensuring consistent flight hardware readiness.
• Conduct root cause analysis on test failures and implement comprehensive mitigation strategies for flight risks.
• Mentor junior engineers on projects, challenges, and design methodologies to establish a high bar for the future leaders of Varda.
• Contribute to RF architecture and system design for next-generation vehicles and hardware block upgrades to existing vehicles.
• Help define standards, processes and procedures to enable exemplary RF engineering at Varda.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, power meters and power supplies.
• Familiarity with RF components including LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators/synthesizers, attenuators, and switches.
• Experience designing and integrating RF components into complete transmit or receive signal chains.
• Proven track record of extreme ownership over projects, leading them to successful completion.
• Proficiency with Python, familiarity with test software libraries like PyVISA for communication with test equipment.
• Demonstrated curiosity and commitment to exploring foundational concepts and pursuing detailed insights with diligence.
• Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving and operating system-level tests.
• Familiarity with Unix environments.
• Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
• Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers).
• Strong project or program management skills.
• Thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on. Be prepared for exposure to diverse tasks and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Pay Range

• Salary range: $219,161 - $280,040/per year
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards