RF Systems Architect
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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.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
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Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL
Short answers (2)
- If yes, please specify the individual(s) and the department or location in which they work: optional
- Full Legal Name
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- As a result of the work performed by CesiumAstro, all eligible candidates must be a U.S. Person or able to obtain an export license. U.S. Persons include U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, conditional residents, asylees, and refugees. Are you a U.S. Person or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State?
- Do you now or will you in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? Please select "Yes" if you will require the Company to commence ("sponsor") an immigration or work permit case in order to employ you, either now or at some point in the future. Otherwise select "No".
- Do you have a family member that is currently employed with CesiumAstro?
- Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
- Please select which of the following security clearances and/or access you currently hold. optional
- By submitting your application you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge. I certify that the information on this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and agree to have any of the information verified by CesiumAstro (the “Company”). By my signature below, I authorize any references submitted by me to the Company in support of this application to provide any and all information concerning my previous employment and any other pertinent information that they may have. I understand that I may be required to authorize the Company to obtain a consumer report or investigative consumer report, in accordance with applicable law, which authorization is contained in a separate document. Further, I release the Company and any other parties, agents, or persons from any and all liability or claims arising out of the disclosure or use of references or other information provided to the Company during the process of verifying the statements made in this application. I understand that any misrepresentation, falsification, or material omission of information on this application may result in my failure to receive an offer or, if I am hired, will result in my dismissal from employment. Furthermore, if hired, in consideration of my employment I agree to conform to the policies, rules and standards of the Company, including applicable safety rules, and agree that my employment can be terminated “at will” at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, either at my option or at the option of the Company. I understand that no employee or representative of the Company to which I am applying, has the authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time, or to enter into any express or implied agreement to the contrary of at-will employment, except for a written agreement signed by me and the Chief Executive Office of the Company. I agree that this shall constitute a final and fully binding integrated agreement regarding the at-will nature of my employment relationship if I am hired. In addition, I understand that, if hired, I may be required as a condition of employment to take and pass drug and alcohol tests during employment to the extent required by policies of the Company consistent with applicable law. I acknowledge that I have personally completed this application, I have read all of the above statements, and understand them and agree to the terms and conditions therein. I confirm that I understand that my application may be subject to security checks under government regulations applicable in the aerospace and defense industry sectors. optional
- I have applied for employment with CesiumAstro, Inc. (the “Company”). In consideration of the Company's accepting and evaluating my application for employment, I hereby agree that I will comply with and be legally bound by the following terms and condition of this Agreement: 1. MAINTAINING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMPANY PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. I understand that CesiumAstro, Inc. is an innovative company engaged in research and development, and that the Company's innovations and other Proprietary Information (as defined below) provide the Company with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Accordingly, I agree to hold in strictest confidence, and not to disclose or make any use of at any time, any of the Company’s Proprietary Information which I may acquire or learn during my interview(s) or the application process for employment. The term “Proprietary Information” shall mean any and all trade secrets, confidential knowledge, data or any other proprietary information pertaining to any business of the Company or any of its customers, vendors, consultants, licensees or affiliates. 2. MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIALITY OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF FORMER EMPLOYERS OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRED BY ME PRIOR TO MY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY. I represent and agree that I will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence any third-party proprietary information, knowledge or data acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my application for employment with the Company. I will not improperly use, disclose or bring to the Company, or induce the Company to use, any confidential or proprietary information, documents or materials belonging to any previous employer or third parties. 3. NEW EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INVENTION AGREEMENT. I understand that if I am offered employment by the Company, and as a condition of my new employment, I will be required to enter into an attached New Employee Proprietary Information and Invention Agreement. Prior to any future employment with the Company, I acknowledge the opportunity to consult with legal counsel or other necessary advisors regarding the Agreement. optional
- Please select which of the following security clearances and/or access you currently hold. optional
- As a result of the work performed by CesiumAstro, all eligible candidates must be a U.S. Person or able to obtain an export license. U.S. Persons include U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, conditional residents, asylees, and refugees. Are you a U.S. Person?
- Do you now or will you in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? Please select "Yes" if you will require the Company to commence ("sponsor") an immigration or work permit case in order to employ you, either now or at some point in the future. Otherwise select "No".
- Do you have a family member that is currently employed with CesiumAstro?
Written answers (1)
- If yes, please specify the individual(s) and the department or location in which they work: optional