Senior Staff RF Communication Systems Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Please review the job details below.

Job Description Summary

The Senior Staff RF Communication Systems Engineer (CSE) contributes to the design, integration, and operation of complex communications payload systems, often composed of multiple subsystems and advanced signal‑processing elements. This role supports the definition of system‑level requirements, architecture development, and the establishment of technical processes that ensure hardware and software compatibility across the payload. The engineer identifies, analyzes, and resolves system design challenges while helping shape alternative concepts and next‑generation solutions.

As an experienced professional, the Senior Staff CSE applies solid engineering judgment to a wide range of technical issues, developing creative solutions and influencing the evolution of future products. The role involves documenting requirements, design approaches, algorithms, test procedures, and test results in accordance with engineering standards. The engineer frequently collaborates within multidisciplinary teams and engages with internal and external stakeholders to support successful program execution.

This position operates with moderate autonomy, receiving limited day‑to‑day direction and general guidance on new assignments. It typically requires a minimum of eight years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; six years with a master’s degree; or three years with a Ph.D; or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

Serves as the responsible engineer for a subsystem or major portion of the RF payload, with emphasis on integration, test, and verification

Develops system‑level requirements and specifications that guide payload design and performance

Participates in system architecture development, including requirements analysis and trade studies

Leads RF payload testing and troubleshooting during spacecraft integration and verification phases

Analyzes operational issues and drives corrective actions to closure

Introduces innovative techniques, tools, or methodologies within the RF engineering domain

Provides technical guidance to teams in identifying design issues and implementing effective solutions

Works on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of tangible and intangible variance factors such as cost, quality, reliability, manufacturability impact to schedule, and process improvement

This position requires you to collaborate with engineers from most of the other engineering disciplines to produce the company’s satellite product. In addition, with the high level of accountability, it offers direct visibility from various levels of management both internal and external

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• B.S. degree or the equivalent in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mathematics, or physics. An additional four years of experience may be substituted for a degree
• Eight years of RF related work experience, six years with MS degree, and three years with a Ph.D
• Willingness and ability to travel up to ~10% and support off‑shift work as needed
• Advanced understanding of mathematics and physics as they relate to RF electrical systems and components
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in a specialized engineering or scientific discipline

Familiarity with ground station modems and complex modulation and coding schemes

Experience with RF computer‑aided design tools such as AWR Microwave Office, ADS, or Ansys HFSS

Experience with software‑defined radios or software‑defined modems

Familiarity with FPGA‑based signal‑processing architectures

Experience with C++, VBA, MATLAB, or Python is desirable

In support of pay transparency at Lanteris Space Systems, we disclose salary ranges on all U.S. job postings. The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the salary range provided below and is determined based on job-related factors, including, but not limited to, the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. Candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets for the position should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.

• The base pay for this position within California is: $143,000.00 - $238,000.00 annually.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. More information on our benefits will be shared with candidates as they move forward in the recruitment process.

Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

The date of posting can be found on the Lanteris Space Systems Career page at the top of each job posting.

To apply, submit your application via the Lanteris Space Systems Career page.

Lanteris Space Systems values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.