Senior RF Engineer
Lunar Outpost
Other Engineering
Golden, CO, USA
Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Senior RF Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. As an RF Engineer you will work with Link Budgets, Antenna Cosite, RF Testing, RF Systems design and vendor management.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior RF Engineer to design, analyze, integrate, and test advanced RF systems for space-based satellite and rover platforms. This role involves end‑to‑end ownership of RF subsystem development—from electromagnetic modeling and trade studies through hands‑on integration, testing, and mission validation—supporting both current programs and future business development efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform electromagnetic simulation and analysis of RF systems for satellite and rover applications
- Design, develop, and integrate RF subsystems to meet stringent mission, performance, and regulatory requirements
- Conduct RF trade studies using modeling and simulation to inform design decisions
- Build, integrate, and test RF hardware, including antennas and payload communications subsystems
- Develop and execute detailed RF and antenna test plans and simulations (VSWR, gain, radiation patterns, etc.)
- Build and analyze link budgets for space‑to‑Earth communications
- Model and analyze antenna co‑site and interference relationships
- Use industry‑standard tools to model and validate RF performance
- Author highly technical documentation and test reports describing RF designs, analyses, and results
Required Qualifications
- Deep understanding of RF systems with the ability to design, analyze, and test complex RF architectures
- Proven hands‑on experience building and testing RF systems, including design and use of RF test racks
- Demonstrated ability to define, execute, and document RF tests against requirements
- Experience developing detailed test plans, managing schedules, and coordinating resources in cost‑ and regulation‑constrained environments
- Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and power meters
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant RF engineering experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, detailed technical documentation
- Highly organized, self‑motivated, and driven to meet critical deadlines
- U.S. Person status required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with space, satellite, or planetary rover RF systems
- Experience working across multidisciplinary vehicle engineering teams
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance standards for space communications
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-461
- Proficiency with RF modeling and analysis tools, including:
- Ansys HFSS
- Ansys EMIT
- STK
- Python
Any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon Lunar Outpost receiving the LTVS SubCLIN 1C Award from NASA. If the contract is not awarded to Lunar Outpost, this offer will be considered null and void, without further obligation to Lunar Outpost.
Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
- Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
- Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
- Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
- Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
- Parental leave
- Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development
Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.