RF Engineer, Avionics

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF and microwave circuits for spacecraft communication, telemetry, tracking, and data transmission systems
• Architect and implement board-level RF hardware including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, oscillators, and frequency conversion chains
• Design and characterize high-speed digital signal paths including signal conditioning, switching, and equalization hardware
• Perform RF schematic capture, component selection, simulation, and analysis
• Partner with PCB layout engineers to optimize RF and high-speed board layouts
• Run 3D EM simulations in HFSS or CST for connector-to-microstrip transitions and via structures
• Extract and validate S-parameters via simulation and measurement
• Develop and execute board-level validation and characterization plans using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
• Perform RF and signal integrity bring-up, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis
• Support environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, and radiation qualification
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define RF and signal integrity requirements
• Drive hardware designs from concept through manufacturing and flight deployment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing RF or microwave hardware at the board level
• Experience with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, AWR Microwave Office, or CST
• Hands-on experience with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, transmission lines, and S-parameters
• Familiarity with high-speed PCB design and signal integrity trade-offs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or Physics
• Experience developing RF hardware for aerospace, satellite, or defense applications
• Experience with S-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, or optical communications
• Experience scripting HFSS or EDB workflows in Python
• Familiarity with radiation-tolerant electronics and spaceflight hardware requirements

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Daily lunch and fully stocked kitchen

About the Company

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities, from powering on-orbit compute to transmitting energy via infrared lasers.