a16z Lead RF Hardware Engineer
Summary
Lead RF Hardware Engineer at CX2, a defense tech startup building electronic warfare platforms. Owns RF components cradle-to-grave (SDRs, amplifiers, antennas, frequency converters) — from requirements and schematic capture through bring-up, test, and production — while leading and mentoring engineers. Onsite in El Segundo, CA; US Person required for ITAR.
CX2 is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have experience in cradle to grave support of various RF components - including software defined radios, amplifiers, antennas, and frequency converters. Experience leading a team of engineers is also strongly preferred.
This role requires an onsite presence in our El Segundo, CA HQ; a remote work environment is not considered for this opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
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Cradle to grave support of various RF components - requirements capture, schematic capture, layout, bring up, measurement, production, test, and RF system level support.
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Automate bench measurement setups for RF test data collection, and post-processing to make informed, data-driven conclusions
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Design, integrate, and maintain complex RF systems at a blazing speed. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in New Product Introduction (NPI), design-for-manufacturing, and design-for-test.
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Mentor and coach engineers - to effectively do this the ideal candidate would have deep experience with both eCAD and CAD software, a solid understanding of RF fundamentals, and an advanced proficiency in either Python and/or MATLAB.
Qualifications
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BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
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A minimum of 4 years’ total experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience leading a cross-functional engineering team
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Experience creating link budgets and aligning them to real-world test data
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Strong understanding of RF system parameters including gain, cascaded noise figure, figure-of-merit, linearity, and band flatness
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Willingness to debug complex electrical systems and methodically identify root causes of issues
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Antenna and receiver design across analog/RF/mixed-signal domains: mixers, PLLs/LOs, gain/linearity/noise trades; ability to turn simulations into reality.
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Channelizers & wideband architectures: filter banks, analog/digital down conversion, sample-rate planning, clocking/synchronization.
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Willingness to support critical test events that occasionally require extended hours/weekends
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Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
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Must be a U.S. Person (see ITAR Regulations below) due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities
Bonus Points
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Experience putting hardware through formal qualification campaigns and implementing robust screening of units in a manufacturing environment
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Experience with RF systems on UAVs or for military applications
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Experience with GNU Radio or similar DSP frameworks
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Experience scaling RF products and technologies
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, stock options and benefits, including health, vision and dental.
- 401K enrollment at 90 days.
- Unlimited PTO + most Federal Holidays observed.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Access to the latest tools and technologies.
- High levels of responsibility and autonomy.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- Access to the hardest problems in electronic warfare.
ITAR Regulations
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a US Citizen, Green Card holder, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Skills
As published by lever · 9 questions
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio / example projects URL
Pick from a list (9)
- To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Please verify you qualify below (NOTE: those from outside the US on most work or student visas are not currently considered eligible):
- This position requires a daily onsite presence. Are you local to or able to commute to El Segundo on a daily basis? (Note: remote is not an option for this position.)
- If you are not local, are you willing and able to relocate for this position? optional
- Do you have a minimum of 4 years’ total experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience leading a cross-functional engineering team?
- Do you have experience creating link budgets and aligning them to real-world test data?
- Do you have a strong understanding of RF system parameters including gain, cascaded noise figure, figure-of-merit, linearity, and band flatness?
- Are you able to debug complex electrical systems and methodically identify root causes of issues?
- Do you have experience with antenna and receiver design across analog/RF/mixed-signal domains: mixers, PLLs/LOs, gain/linearity/noise trades; ability to turn simulations into reality?
- Do you have experience with channelizers & wideband architectures: filter banks, analog/digital down conversion, sample-rate planning, clocking/synchronization?