Principal RF Systems Engineer

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Principal RF Systems Engineer

Summary

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Description

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal RF Systems Engineer to join the Systems Engineering team to support RF payload performance across our satellite constellation. In this role, you'll combine RF engineering expertise with mission systems engineering skills to help ensure payload capabilities meet mission objectives and customer needs.

You'll apply a deep understanding of space-based RF payloads - including Software Defined Radios (SDR's), RF front ends, antennas, and onboard processing architecture - to model, predict, and assess performance in real-world scenarios. Your work will span payload systems engineering, constellation planning, strategic initiatives, and end-to-end architecture, contributing directly to the success of HawkEye 360's RF data collection missions.

We're looking for a technically strong, solutions-oriented engineer with hands-on RF experience, creative problem-solving skills, and a passion for advancing space-based RF technology.

As the Principal RF Systems Engineer, your main responsibilities will be:

• Analyze, model, and optimize all aspects of space-based RF geolocation
• Apply knowledge of SDR architectures, RF front ends, antennas, and onboard processing to evaluate the feasibility of mission scenarios.
• Develop and maintain link budgets for challenging orbital geometries and dynamic pointing profiles.
• Model detectability and classification of ground-based radar systems and other RF emitters; recommend payload adjustments to achieve detection.
• Define sampling, channelization, and onboard processing parameters to meet mission performance objectives.
• Translate customer and program team requirements into clear, verifiable technical specifications for satellite payload and ground systems.
• Support payload hardware architecture decisions through mission-driven trade studies and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with Space and Payload teams to validate performance models against integration and test (I&T) data.
• Contribute to proposal efforts by providing technical input, performance estimates, and analysis results.
• Participate in design reviews, requirements Verification & Validation (V&V), and mission readiness reviews as the RF payload performance subject matter expert.
• Support constellation design and mission systems engineering, ensuring designs meet operational requirements.
• Work with business development and mission management to ensure alignment between technical capabilities and mission goals.

Your skills and qualifications:

Essential education and experience:

• 12+ years professional experience in RF Systems Engineering
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Expert-level understanding of software-defined radios and RF front-end architectures.
• Strong expertise in link budget analysis and RF performance modeling.
• Knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including requirements development and V&V.
• Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for modeling and analysis
• Strong communication skills to convey complex technical trade-offs to varied audiences.
• Solid analytical and strategic thinking skills with clear, concise technical writing ability.

Desirable:

• Hands-on RF hardware experience (payload integration, RF lab testing, prototyping, field measurements)
• Experience with RF electronics and lab equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, etc.)
• Familiarity with ground-based radar systems and diverse RF signal types.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics and/or attitude dynamics
• Experience writing technical documentation such as formal requirements, design documents, RFI's, white papers, and proposals.
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing
• Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments.
• Experience with Printed Circuit Board design (Altium)
• Exposure to optical terminals or constellation mesh networks.

Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000 annually

HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

Company Overview:

HawkEye 360 is delivering a revolutionary source of global knowledge based on radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics to those working to make the world a safer place. The company operates a commercial satellite constellation that detects, geolocates, and identifies a broad range of signals & behaviors. We employ cutting edge AI techniques to equip our global customers with high-impact insights needed to make decisions with confidence. HawkEye 360 is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.

HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.