RF Systems Architect

Job description

***Please Note:**To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.* At **CesiumAstro**, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. CesiumAstro is seeking an RF Systems Architect to lead the definition and development of next-generation ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) RF payloads, with emphasis on radar systems, RF sensing, and wideband signal collection. This role is highly strategic and technical, focused on end-to-end RF payload architecture—from antenna and front-end design through system-level performance, signal processing considerations, and mission integration. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep experience in phased array systems, wideband RF architectures, and space-based sensing payloads. ### KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Define and lead system architecture for advanced ISR RF payloads, including radar and RF sensing systems for space and airborne platforms. - Translate mission objectives into end-to-end RF payload architectures, including antenna systems, RF front-end, digitization, and downstream processing. - Drive architectural trade studies across performance, SWaP, scalability, and mission constraints. - Lead concept development for wideband, multi-beam, and multi-function RF payloads, including electronically steered arrays and digital beamforming systems. - Partner with business development to shape technical strategy, support proposals, and secure new program opportunities. - Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF payload architecture, supporting internal reviews and customer engagements. - Guide cross-functional teams through architecture definition, prototyping, and system validation. - Stay at the forefront of emerging ISR, radar, and RF sensing technologies and incorporate advancements into product roadmaps. - Mentor engineers and establish best practices in RF system architecture and payload development. - Communicate complex technical concepts, architectures, and trade-offs to internal stakeholders and external customers. ### JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred). - 15+ years of professional experience in RF engineering, radar systems, or RF sensing technologies. - Demonstrated expertise in RF system design fundamentals, including link budgets, noise analysis, and RF propagation. - Strong technical background in phased array antennas, beamforming techniques, and wideband RF systems. - Experience working with RF hardware components such as antennas, LNAs, mixers, ADCs/DACs, and frequency conversion chains. - Proficiency with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, CST, or similar). - Solid understanding of radar principles and/or signal processing techniques relevant to RF sensing applications. - Experience in aerospace, defense, or space-based systems environments. - Demonstrated technical leadership experience or progression into senior/architect-level roles. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex engineering environments. - Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration. ### PREFERRED EXPERIENCE - Experience contributing to or leading successful program captures and technical strategy. - Demonstrated innovation, including patents or novel RF/antenna system developments. - Experience in fast-paced, startup, or advanced development environments.