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Xona Space Systems is building Pulsar, an advanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit designed to deliver real-time, centimeter-level precision positioning globally. As an RF Engineer, you will design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems across the full stack—from spacecraft payload electronics to ground monitoring systems—ensuring the end-to-end RF broadcast system delivers Xona's high-accuracy navigation service.
You will work on RF systems operating in L-band, S-band, and C-band frequencies, leveraging PCB design tools like Altium and RF circuit simulation software such as Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office. Your responsibilities include developing and calibrating RF test setups, analyzing test data against design requirements, and troubleshooting RF performance issues. You'll collaborate across engineering teams to move projects from design through implementation and may travel to support off-site testing events.
This role requires hands-on expertise with electrical and RF test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers) and a solid understanding of space RF electronics phenomena such as multipaction. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical findings to multidisciplinary teams and external partners are essential.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 2–4 years of RF engineering experience
- Understanding of electromagnetic principles underlying RF communications and common RF system performance metrics
- Ability to interpret PCB schematics and layout drawings; familiarity with PCB design tools such as Altium
- Hands-on experience using electrical and RF test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers)
- RF design experience in L-band, S-band, and C-band
- Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools such as Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office
- Hands-on experience developing and calibrating RF test setups
- Ability to analyze RF test data and assess performance against design requirements
- Experience with space RF electronics, including understanding of phenomena such as multipaction
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or other protected individual status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (required for U.S. roles to comply with space technology export regulations)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate effectively across engineering teams
- Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams and external partners
- Willingness and ability to travel to support off-site testing events
- Proactive approach to moving projects from design through implementation
- Knowledge of or experience with GNSS systems
- Hands-on experience or coursework in antenna design or testing
- Familiarity with 3D electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS
- Experience tuning RF amplifiers and circuits
- Track record of RF PCB or antenna designs that have been built and tested
- Experience implementing passive or active RF subsystems on the bench or on PCBs
