Senior RF Systems Engineer

Job description

Advanced Reentry Technologies Who We Are: Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions. The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry. Position Overview: As an RF Systems Engineer at Inversion, you will report directly to the Manager of Arc Avionics . In this role, you will be responsible for the development, integration, and verification of the flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion’s next-generation reentry vehicles. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of communication hardware—taking systems from initial link analysis and component selection through to radiation pattern modeling, lab testing, and live mission-readiness validation. Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain high-fidelity communication link budgets, modeling vehicle-level antenna radiation patterns and simulating RF performance in challenging flight and atmospheric reentry environments. Perform trade studies to evaluate, select, and qualify commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom RF components, including transmitters, transceivers, Power Amplifiers (PAs), Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), and antennas. Lead benchtop and vehicle-level RF testing using standard laboratory equipment, bridging hardware with software by supporting live end-to-end telemetry validation. Establish and test ground station networks utilizing S-band and L-band frequencies to ensure robust link margins at critical elevation angles. Partner with software, guidance and control (GNC), power, and mechanical teams to ensure optimal antenna placement, proper thermal dissipation, and structural integrity under environmental stress. Lead the gathering of technical data and generating documentation required for regulatory licensing with bodies such as the FCC, ITU, and NTIA. Design and own RF test systems and develop comprehensive test plans to qualify hardware across space and reentry environments (thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and radiation). Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering , Computer Engineering, or equivalent technical experience. Typically 5 + years of professional aerospace/defense experience with direct ownership of RF hardware deployment, component qualification, or link architecture. Proven experience developing and analyzing RF link budgets under dynamic flight profiles. Foundational experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (such as Ansys HFSS) for modeling antenna characteristics or component behavior. Demonstrated background in the design of fault-tolerant and failover-capable RF systems. Proficient using common laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, and data acquisition systems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical RF concepts to multidisciplinary teams. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance. Desired Qualifications Experience testing and integrating S-band and L-band telemetry or transponder systems. Familiarity with the unique RF propagation and signal attenuation challenges associated with hypersonic spacecraft reentry (plasma blackout). Strong software or scripting fluency in Python or MATLAB for processing lab data, automated test scripts, or link budget tool development. Knowledge of aerospace environmental qualification processes, including EMI/EMC testing, anechoic chambers, vibration, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) environments. Familiarity with telemetry and range safety standards (e.g., IRIG-106) and digital modulation schemes (such as SOQPSK). Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams. Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence. The California annual base salary for this role is currently $137,000 - $193,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. ITAR Compliance: To conform to U.S. Government space 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., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here . Equal Employment Opportunity: Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.